It is with heavy but joyful hearts that we remember Martha McRae Herndon, whose time on earth was defined by love, generosity, and the simple joys of life. She passed away peacefully on Oct. 18, 2024. Martha lived with her heart wide open, pouring her love into her family, friends, and the many passions that brightened her days.
Martha’s greatest treasure was her family. She adored her husband, daughters and grandchildren who were the absolute light of her life. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. Her boundless love and dedication as a wife, mother and grandmother will remain forever in their hearts.
She had an unmatched affection for dogs, always making sure they were as pampered and loved as any member of the family. No matter where she was, dogs were always drawn to her kind spirit. Shopping was also one of Martha’s great joys — she had a knack for finding just the right thing (and often returning it a day later). She also spent countless hours working in her yard, where she would carefully plant shrubbery, only to dig it up and replace it with flowers a short time later. She loved going on day trips to the beach with her husband, shopping, and ending the day with a meal at Hoskins.
Martha loved her Marks Creek Church family and looked forward to speaking to members as she made her way to her seat every Sunday. She was an active member of her Circle and enjoyed working at the Hamlet Soup Kitchen. She was always eager to lend a hand.
Martha will be remembered for the way she loved, the way she made those around her feel, and for her ability to make people laugh.
While our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that Martha has been reunited with her parents, brothers, and other loved ones who have gone before her. We feel sure that she is mowing grass and planting flowers in Heaven with a dog following closely behind her. Her legacy of laughter, caring for others, and her love of life will live on in all of us.
Martha joins her parents, Clay and Alma McRae and her brothers, Edward and David McRae.
She is survived by her husband, James Herndon; her daughters, Kristi Wagers (Jay) and Mica Way (Mike); her grandchildren, Jase Wagers, Alex Wagers, Clay Wagers, Greyson Way Thompson, Cameron Way and Katie Way; stepdaughter, Alisha Connor (Mac) and children, Fiona and Felicity. She is also survived by many special friends and loved ones.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 at 4 p.m. at Marks Creek Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Ken Goins officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, Oct. 23, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. at Watson-King Funeral Home in Hamlet.
In lieu of flowers, please plant something in your yard, take your dog for an extra walk, or buy yourself that thing you've been eyeing. Martha would have loved that.
Online condolences may be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Hamlet is serving the Herndon family.
