Martha Joyce Baggett passed away on April 23, 2016, in Altamonte Springs, Florida, at the age of 89.
She leaves behind three of her children, son Barre and his wife Jane; son Rick and his wife Joyce; and daughter Becky and her husband Dale; grandchildren Lisa Pendle, Lori (Louis) Manco, Andrew (Nicole) Baggett, Jennifer (Jason) Campbell, Steve (Michelle) Woodall, Michele (Chris) Carlson, Melanie (Mike) Korish, Bryan (Wendi) Baggett, Krista (Josh) Beekmann, and Dan Baggett; 22 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
A short service wil be held Friday, May 6, 2016, at 10 a.m. for family and friends at Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church in Rabun Gap, followed by burial. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Martha’s life.
Martha was born Dec. 20, 1926, in Orlando, Florida, to Harold and Edith (Barber) Heiser. She grew up in a loving family with one brother. Martha graduated from Hillsdale (Michigan) High School in 1944.
On May 4, 1947, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Elbert Johnson Baggett. They lived together and raised their four children in Winter Park, Florida. They moved to Rabun Gap in 1979. Her children remember her as kind, loving mother who always encouraged them to pursue their goals.
While busy raising a family, Martha found time to help with the baking and cooking at Baggett’s Fine Foods, the family grocery store. She was well-known for her lemon meringue pies, cinnamon rolls and potato salad.
Martha was active in many community organizations including Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church, the American Legion and AA (since 1979).
Martha was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Elbert Baggett; son David Baggett; daughter-in-law Rosanne Baggett; father, Harold Heiser; mother Edith Heiser; brother, Gary Heiser; father-in-law, Joseph Baggett; and mother-in-law Savanna Baggett.
Online condolences can be offered at DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory in Maitland, Florida.
The Clayton Tribune, May 5, 2016