Martha Jane Clark

Martha Bittle Clark, 92, of Winston-Salem, formerly of Charlotte, NC, and Hendersonville, NC, passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, November 2, 2024.

Martha was born on March 6, 1932, in Charlotte, NC, to the late Guy and Ozelle Bittle.

Martha grew up in Charlotte and graduated from Central High School where she met her first husband, Larry Holland, with whom she had four children: Michael, Patrick, Lisa, and Sherry. Later in life, she married Cecil Clark, and was blessed with the addition of her step-son, David Clark.

Martha completed her undergraduate degree in History at UNC-Charlotte and began teaching in Charlotte. She and Cecil later moved to Hendersonville, NC, where Martha became a librarian at Bruce Drysdale Elementary. She loved teaching and was beloved by her students, whose lives she impacted well beyond academics.

Martha loved her family, God, and her community. Martha's warmth was magnetic, drawing people to her throughout her life and leaving an unforgettable mark on all who knew her. A lifelong advocate for justice, Martha spent her time writing letters to politicians, championing for the less fortunate, and sharing her good fortune with others. Empathetic to her core and unafraid to stand up for her beliefs, she leaves a legacy of compassion, courage, and conviction. She was also an avid fan of the UNC basketball team and the Atlanta Braves.

In 1981, Martha experienced the tragic passing of her youngest daughter, Sherry. In the years that followed, Martha and Cecil became heavily involved in The Compassionate Friends, an organization devoted to supporting bereaved parents. Martha published her autobiographical novel, “Are You Weeping with Me, God?” in 1987 to share her story following this tragedy. After her dear Cecil passed, Martha remained in Hendersonville for several years before retiring and relocating to Winston-Salem to be close to family. She became an active member at Augsburg Lutheran Church. Martha’s family and community supported her greatly through the illness and loss of her other beloved daughter, Lisa, in 2020.

In addition to her parents, Martha was also preceded in death by her brothers, Bob and Rudy Bittle; and sister, Betty Lou Waller.

Martha is survived by her sons, Michael Holland (Lisa), Patrick Holland (Sue), and David Clark; honorary daughter, Beth Byron (Dave); grandchildren, Brandon Holland (Lacey), Matthew Holland (Monica), Alex Holland, Elaine Murray (Justin), Elizabeth Stanton (Billy), Emma Dare Butterworth (Jack), Michael Barnhill (Emily), Melissa Beecher (Gabe), Laura Holland, Steven Holland (Jessica), Jessica Ferguson (Michael), Jillian Luyster (Peter), Katey Clark Diaz (Santiago), Madison and Chelsea Byron; and great-grandchildren, Chloe, Mackenzie, Anna, William, JB, Jake, Caleb, Caiden, Alexa, Jacob, Charlie, Sloane, Miles, and Isabela.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00PM on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Sharon Memorial Park in Charlotte, NC. A memorial service will be held at 10:00AM on Monday, November 18, 2024, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, NC, with Pastor Paul Wollner officiating. A reception will follow the memorial service at Augsburg Lutheran Church, located in Winston-Salem, NC, in the Family Life Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Augsburg Lutheran Church, 845 W 5th St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.

Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the Clark family.