Martha Marie Waldrup

MARTHA MARIE WALDRUP

Martha Marie Burkes Waldrup (Marie) passed away on Christmas Day, 2022, at age 94.  She was born on February 24, 1928, in Phenix City, AL to Rosa Beatrice (Bea) and Tilman B. Burkes.  She was one of five children:   sister, Margaret Callaham (Sherman), and brothers, Marvin Burkes (Ruth), Earl Burkes (Delores), and Carlton Burkes (Nell).

Marie married the love of her life, Joseph S. Waldrup, Jr. in 1944.  Shortly after marriage, Joe was drafted and they moved to Waco, Texas, where he was in basic training at Fort Hood.  After basic, he was shipped to Europe and Marie returned to Phenix City.  When Joe came home from the War, they began their married life in Phenix City, and in December of 1949, they welcomed the pride of their lives, a daughter, Janet Lynn.

Marie became a full-time, dedicated mother as Joe was called back into the service and was shipped to Korea.  After this second enlistment period, Joe began his lifelong passion in the flexible packaging industry and he, Marie and Jan moved to Decatur, Georgia.

While Marie maintained her one-hundred percent involvement as a wife and mother she began to work in several different jobs.  She eventually had a career as a credit manager with Sears Roebuck and Company, and after 20 years she retired in 1991.

After her beloved Joe died in 1993, Marie’s focus in life became her daughter, Jan, her son-in-law, Joe, and granddaughter, Daria.  In 2001 her great-grandson, Wesley, was born, and in 2002, her great-granddaughter, Ashley, was born.  She happily spent the last 20 years watching over and helping to guide her family.  She was also an avid reader, enjoyed playing tennis, gardening and volunteering at her church and with other various organizations.

Marie led a full, successful life loved by her family and friends.  She will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Marie’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).