"Ootzie"
A Life Beautifully Lived, A Legacy Forever Cherished
Martha Elizabeth Standifer was born on January 1, 1934, in the heart of Whiteville, North Carolina, in a charming town called Farmers Union in Columbus County. She was the cherished daughter of Locklear and Isreal Moore, and the second youngest among their children.
Growing up on the family farm, Martha developed a deep love for the land, a passion for nurturing life through gardening, and an artistic eye for landscape design. Her warm spirit and loving nature touched everyone who knew her. Affectionately called "Ootzie" by family and friends, she embodied grace, kindness, and unwavering dedication to those she loved.
At the remarkable age of 91 years, Martha departed this world, the last of her beloved siblings to pass. She remained deeply connected to her family throughout her life, sharing a special bond with her cousin Myrtle Slade, who survived her and held her close to her heart until the very end.
Married to G. Van Standifer
January 16, 1954
25 Years of Dedicated Service
Martha devoted a quarter-century to public service, contributing her skills and dedication to the Federal Department of Transportation, where she made lasting impacts on her colleagues and the communities she served.
Before and Aftercare Program Coordinator
Following her federal service, Martha continued her commitment to community by coordinating the Before and Aftercare program, nurturing and caring for children with the same love she showed her own family.
Martha's kitchen was a place of warmth, love, and incredible aromas. Her culinary creations brought family and friends together, nourishing both body and soul.
With hands that brought life to the earth, Martha tended her gardens with care and devotion, cultivating beauty and abundance that reflected her generous spirit.
Her artistic vision transformed outdoor spaces into living masterpieces, creating environments where nature and design harmonized beautifully.
"Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear."
Martha Elizabeth Standifer lived a remarkable life spanning 91 extraordinary years. From her humble beginnings on a family farm in Farmers Union, North Carolina, to her distinguished career in public service, she exemplified grace, dedication, and unconditional love.
As a devoted wife to G. Van Standifer for over seven decades, a nurturing mother to Eric and Nelson, a doting grandmother and great-grandmother, and a cherished sister and cousin, Martha's impact on her family was immeasurable. Her legacy lives on through the generations she touched and the countless lives she enriched.
Whether she was preparing a family meal, tending her gardens, coordinating care for children at Ardmore Elementary, or serving her country through the Department of Transportation, Martha approached every task with the same warmth, dedication, and love that defined her character.
Martha Elizabeth "Ootzie" Standifer will forever remain in our hearts—her memory a blessing, her love eternal, and her spirit an inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know her.