Obituary of Martha E. Lawing

Martha Carolyn Elliott Lawing, 101, passed away quietly at her Charlotte home on Monday, April 3, 2023. She was a native Charlottean, born on July 14, 1921, to John David Elliott and Elizabeth Thomasson Elliott. Martha graduated from old Central High School in Charlotte and from Queens College, where she majored in business and religion. She was employed as a secretary at Celanese Corporation; Barclays American; and at Central Piedmont Community College, retiring in 1992, after more than twenty years of service. Martha was a faithful member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlotte and a proud member of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She will be remembered for her boundless energy as she busied herself working professionally, selflessly caring for her parents and children, and sharing in her husband’s many projects and hobbies as his second pair of eyes and hands. As a loving mother, grandmother, and friend, Martha never forgot a birthday or anniversary, carefully selecting and mailing thoughtful greeting cards to family and friends throughout the year. She enjoyed family trips to the mountains and beaches, hosting family dinners, and working in her yard with a natural “green thumb” for growing beautiful flowers and shrubs. She had a gift for pulling candy mints that she placed in seasonal tins as thank you gifts at Christmas. She treasured and kept friendships made with caring co-workers and neighbors. She enjoyed her neighborhood bridge club and monthly lunch bunch with her CPCC retiree friends for many years. Martha was an avid Atlanta Braves fan and shared in the family excitement of Tar Heel basketball. As a lifelong learner, she enjoyed reading, finishing challenging crossword puzzles, and beating the grandchildren at Chinese checkers. By her example, Martha taught her family to live to a higher standard of conduct. She made sure her children knew the value of faith, being dependable, working hard, and giving back to others. She was blessed to be able to remain in her home with the loving care of her family, especially her daughter, Beth. Many thanks to Carolina Caring for their support and compassion.

Martha was predeceased by her husband of fifty-three years, Algie Wesley Lawing, Jr., her brother, Howard (Bud) Elliott, and two granddaughters. Survivors include her four children: Beth Price of Charlotte; Carolyn Shaw (Rick) of Mount Gilead, NC; Jane Warwick (Benny) of Charlotte; and David Wesley Lawing (Page) of Greensboro, NC; nine grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held for Martha at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3115 Providence Rd., Charlotte, NC 28211 on April 20, 2023. The family will greet friends in the church parlor from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., with the service beginning at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Sharon Memorial Park in Charlotte.

In lieu of flowers, Martha has requested that memorials be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3115 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211; Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607; or to the donor’s charity of choice.

Condolences may be made at www.HankinsandWhittington.com.