Martha Elizabeth (Hunt) Mackie

Martha Elizabeth Mackie, the wife of George C. Mackie Jr., passed away at her home on August 28, 2023. Martha was born on December 18th, 1941, at Mary Elizabeth Hospital in Raleigh. She was the daughter of the late Fred Hunt and Elizabeth Harris Hunt and grew up in Fuquay Springs, NC. Martha spent her childhood in Fuquay, growing up alongside her brother Fred. The special friendship they shared until the very end was a constant source of comfort to Martha and her girls.

Martha met the love of her life while still in high school. After high school, she attended Woman’s College in Greensboro, studying Interior Design. Soon after graduation, she and George were married and rarely left each other’s side. A cousin once remarked that George and Martha were one of the great love stories of our time. He was not exaggerating; it was true. They lived in Germany where he served in the US Army, and here, she began a lifelong love of traveling through Europe. After serving in the army, George and Martha moved to Wake Forest and started a family. They welcomed 3 daughters: Ashland, Alison, and Amy. Each daughter was special to Martha, and she loved them fiercely. Amy was a weekly constant in her life these last 5 years, ensuring that Mom felt safe and important.

Martha’s talent in interior design led her and George to open Cabin Creek Furniture. Later, they opened a series of gift shops in 3 states. Martha earned the respect of all who worked with her because of her kindness and integrity. Those were values that she passed on to her grandchildren. From the oldest to the youngest, each was important and special to her. She delighted in cooking for them, especially her famous pancakes. “GrandMartha” was always eager to spend time with family. She attended music recitals, helped with projects, watched their sports, and cooked with the grandchildren. She especially cherished having her youngest grandson, Noah, stop by for near-daily visits.

Martha loved her brother Fred and his wife Gloria, as well as their daughter Jennifer. Visits from them made her laugh. She looked forward to time spent with her niece Jane and enjoyed phone calls when they could not be together. Martha enjoyed spending time with her friends. Her morning walks with friends, sharing roses from her garden, exploring farmers' markets, and her monthly book club were some of her favorite activities.

Martha’s love for Christ was evident in how she lived her life. She loved God and shared this with her family and through her roles at church, serving as a Deacon and on the hospitality committee. Martha loved planning trips and always carefully studied her destination. She prepared her whole life for this final trip. Her study of the Bible and how she treated and loved others prepared her for leaving her earthly body. If you knew her, you were blessed.

Survivors include her beloved husband of 57 years, George Mackie Jr.; her brother Fred Lee Hunt Jr. and his wife, Gloria Hunt; daughters Ashland Brown (Kent) of Duncan, SC; Alison Hurst (Frank) of Raleigh; Amy Mackie (Joshua) of Wake Forest; grandchildren Noah Mackie, Samuel, Jacob, and Jill Brown; James, George, Julia, Pace, and Rachel Hurst. Her caregivers have been a blessing to her family. Her constant companions, Julia Ann, Leela, Jessica, Carolyn, Paulette, Yucabeth, and Marian worked tirelessly to keep Martha smiling.

A Celebration of Martha’s life will be held at 3:30 Friday afternoon, September 15, 2023 at Wake Forest Baptist Church. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. The service will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend or choose to watch it later. Click on the link below to watch the service.

Memorial contributions to your favorite charity will be greatly appreciated by the Mackie Family.

A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center. (919-556-5811)

www.brightfunerals.com

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LIVE STREAM OF THE SERVICE. This link will be active beginning at 3:15pm on Friday, September 15, 2023.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.