Martha "Martie" Ann (Mathews) Odom

Martha “Martie” Ann Mathews Odom of Laurinburg, NC passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 3, 2022 at Scotia Village, her special home since 2007.

Martie was born in Scotland County on October 1, 1926 to Hattie Gibson and George Getzen Mathews.  She graduated from secretarial school at Women’s College (now UNC-Greensboro) and moved to Chapel Hill where she worked in the physics department at UNC-Chapel Hill. There she met the love of her life, Joe Odom, who had returned to UNC to complete his education after serving as a Marine in World War II.

They married in 1950, moved to Elm City, NC where Joe began his career in education, and they had two children, Martha Jo and Tom (who was born on Martie’s birthday).  They later moved to Laurinburg where Joe became associate superintendent of the Scotland County schools and Martie became involved in many philanthropic activities.

She enjoyed playing golf with Joe and her many friends at Scotch Meadows Country Club and going to the beach .  She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church where she was active in many church activities including her UMW Circle group.

Since Joe grew many beautiful roses, Martie enjoyed arranging them in vases and delivering them to friends and nursing homes including Scotia Village. She also spent time organizing volunteers for bingo at Morgan Center and delivering meals for Meals on Wheels.  Whenever she visited, you could count on a joyful “yoo-hoo” greeting and a bright smile.

“Granny Martie” as she was called by her family and young neighbors, was well known for her chocolate chip cookies, and to receive a pringles can with her delicious cookies was a special treat treasured by all.  They paired exceptionally well with her extra sweet tea.  She could also prepare the best fresh butter beans and field peas you ever tasted.  Her grandchildren fondly remember the fun times they had putting together puzzles, baking, going for walks, and volunteering at Morgan Center with her. She was an A+ back scratcher, always showering her grandchildren with loving attention and affection.

Martie’s deep faith in God sustained her over the years and she instilled her faith and strong principles in all of her family.  There was always a true feeling of unconditional love and happiness in her home. Martie made everyone feel welcome, and she was the most kind, caring, humble, happy and loving friend you could have.

As Martie and Joe reached their 80’s they agreed it was time to move to Scotia Village, a wonderful retirement community where so many of their family and friends lived. Martie enjoyed the many years she lived there along with her sister and best friend Hettie Bet Stubbs who visited her and shared family pictures daily. They often rejoiced that this was the first time in years that they had lived under the same roof.

The family appreciates so much the love, support, and wonderful care that both Martie and Joe received during their years at Scotia Village. We cannot thank the staff enough for all they have done for our family.  During Martie’s final months, Hospice also became involved and provided additional comfort and support.

Martie was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph T. Odom, Jr., her parents, sister, Hettie Bet Stubbs, and brother, Jack Mathews. She leaves behind her daughter, Martha Jo Brooks (husband Francis A. “Terry” Brooks); son J. Thomas Odom, III (wife Donna); grandchildren, Allison Arias and Lauren Estrada (Ronel); and great-grandchildren, Carolina and Tomas “Tommy” Arias. She is also survived by her brother, George “Buck” Mathews, and sister-in-law Jan-Marie Mathews.

Bumgarner Family Funeral Service will be handling the arrangements for the family.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Martie Odom and for her sister Hettie Bet Stubbs on Saturday May 7 at Church in the Pines in Laurel Hill. Visitation will begin at 11:00 in the fellowship hall and the service will be at 12:00 noon in the sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Presbyterian Homes Foundation (for Scotia Village Annual Fund), 2200 Elm Ave, Laurinburg, NC 28352; Scotland Regional Hospice, PO Box 1033, 610 Lauchwood Dr, Laurinburg, NC 28352; or First United Methodist Church, 101 W. Church St, Laurinburg, NC 28352.

Online condolences can be made at www.bumgarnerfunerals.com

Scotland Regional Hospice
P.O. Box 1033, Laurinburg NC 28353
Web: https://www.scotlandhealth.org/scotland-regional-hospice/donate

First United Methodist Church
101 West Church Street, Laurinburg NC 28352

Presbyterian Homes Foundation (for Scotia Village Annual Fund)
2200 Elm Avenue, Laurinburg NC 28352