Martha Allen Wolfe
May 18, 1930 ~ July 30, 2018
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Martha Wolfe, a lifelong resident of Buncombe County, made her heavenly journey on Monday, July 30th. She was born in 1930 on the Biltmore Estate where she was raised, the seventh of eight children by the late Ernest H. and Verna Tanner Allen. She was preceded in death by her son, James Thomas Wolfe of Asheville, and her siblings, Katie Clark, Mary Liner, Eleanor Edenfield, John Allen, Robert “Bob” Allen, and William “Bill” Allen. Martha is survived by her daughter, Cheryl L. Wolfe of Asheville; her sister, Edna Allen Henson Siler of Arden, and numerous nieces, nephews, and loving friends.
Martha was an active member of Hominy Baptist Church in Candler throughout her life. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for over 30 years, as well as numerous other activities. Martha was also known for her wonderful pound cakes for those who were ill or homebound. She taught art and reading at Candler Elementary School, as well as teaching classes to adults in calligraphy, stenciling, and crafts.
Martha led the United Way’s Hominy Valley Community Services for area residents who needed immediate assistance for close to 40 years. She was a member of the Red Hatters, Buncombe County Retired Teachers, administrator for the area Heart Association, and worked in the Buncombe County polls for more than 25 years.
Early in Martha’s career, which spanned almost 35 years at Candler Elementary School, she began to notice the children who didn’t have access to warm clothing, adequate food, or school supplies. She began to purchase the items that the children needed, and along with her daughter Cheryl, often welcomed them into their home. As the needs grew beyond Martha’s means, others in her church and community began to help. An organization was formed from this humble beginning, called “Martha’s Kids”. She took great joy from helping the children and their families in the area, and “Martha’s Kids” has now assisted thousands of children throughout the years and has been celebrated in local and national media. Martha felt blessed to be able to lead the efforts for those with needs, and although the families may have felt grateful, Martha was honored to be in their service. True to the end, Martha’s thoughts and plans included the next group of children she wished to assist.
Martha touched many, many lives and those of us who knew her were truly blessed. She loved her family and friends with uncommon generosity and passion. She faced the challenges of her life with grace, dignity, strength and implacable resolve. A true gentlewoman, she will be exceedingly missed by her family, friends, and the community. We are poorer for the loss of Martha, but so much richer for having had her in our lives.
Services will be held at Hominy Baptist Church in Candler on Thursday, August 2nd. Visitation will begin at 2:00 pm, and the celebration of her life will start at 3:00 pm. She will be interred in the Hominy Baptist Church cemetery following the celebration.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to Martha’s Kids for her next group of children and families with needs would be appreciated. They may be sent to Martha’s Kids, c/o Hominy Baptist Church, 135 Candler School Road, Candler, NC 28715.
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Dearest Cheryl,
Please know you are in my thoughts and my prayers. I loved your dear mom so much. I will never forget how kind and generous she wss on ouf trips to the beach, and in our many over-nights during high school. Blesdings on you, my dear friend.
Beth
Words do not express my sadness for losing my good friend. Her beautiful cards and letters remain a treasure. Prayers for Cheryl. Annie
Cheryl sorry for your loss. Your mom was a great lady.
I am so sorry to hear of Martha’s homecoming. She was a talented, creative,caring, and elegant lady who will be greatly missed. So many in Enka Candler and Buncombe County were touched by Martha’s love and ministry to those in need. I am sorry that I will be in New Jersey and will miss her Celebration. Prayers of peace and comfort to Cheryl and family.
I am so sorry for your loss. She touched so many lives and she will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
What a legacy this lady leaves! Candler School is blessed because of her, as is the rest of Hominy Valley. A life of service and compassion – a true role model. My prayers are with you, Cheryl. It is so hard to lose our moms, and I know she was your best friend. Comfort and peace to you.
To the Wolfe family,
My deepest condolences are with you all. Mrs. Wolfe was my art teacher at Candler. I am complimented all the time for my penmanship and that was because she taught me calligraphy and I love it. She was very caring and always wanted to see that we made a difference. She also lived across the street from my aunt Doshia for many years and was a blessing to her. May God give you all comfort during this difficult time.
Cheryl I am So Sorry Your Mother was a Blessing to me , She was Truly Amazing Lady YOU and Your Family are in my Thoughts & Prayers
Cheryl, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. I haven’t seen either of you in years but have never forgotten the years we did have together. I loved you Mom as I love you, and loved your brother. I will keep you in my thoughts always. Kathy
Dear Cheryl, Your Mother was so good to our family, helping us when mom was sick. She stayed in contact with me after we moved mom and dad to South Carolina, near Linda. She had me laughing, recounting funny stories of our times together. She was a dear friend to mom for close to 60 years. She leaves a legacy of helping hundreds of children in Hominy Valley. What a wonderful, beautiful lady.
God bless, Marty
To the family I knew Martha she was a great person and very friendly always giving a helping hand where ever was needed .God bless the family and give you strength to go on .My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time .
Cheryl know your Mother was so loved an respected by every one who knew her and ever had the privilege of meeting her. Martha will be missed by so many . You have my sympathy and condolences. I send my prayers for comfort and peace at this time.
Dear Cheryl, I am so sorry for your loss. She touched so many lives and she will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. She was a joy to know.
We extend our deepest condolences to Martha’s family and friends. She was truly an amazing lady, and will be missed not only in our office, but also throughout the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cheryl, So sorry to hear of your loss. We thought a lot of Martha for all of the things she did for the needy through ‘Martha’s Kids’. We will miss her.
Jim and Barbara Turpin
Dear Cheryl, I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to you for the loss of your mother. I saw this notification yesterday, but I thought that I would take the time and try to remember all I could about your mother. You and I went Candler School in the 60s, and I saw Martha a lot around the school. She was always so nice, friendly and happy. Everyone loved her, but I didn’t know she was your mother until the sixth grade, nor was I aware of all of the things she was doing. Later we were both in the band at Enka, and from time to time she would help out with the Band Parents fundraising projects. I would haul stuff to the event and sometimes my mother would go as well to work. I would go back at a predetermined time to pick up Mom. We would go home to a crockpot meal, and my Dad would ask how thins went. My Mom would answer ‘ Things went well. I was working with Martha Wolfe, She is just the nicest person.’ That speaks volumes, and sums up very well my opinion of your Mother. Then later you had to come back home to take care of her. I have had to do it, it is life changing and hard. But it is something we must do. I salute you for that. You and you mother will be in my prayers now, and I will offer special prayers this Sunday with the Prayer Ministers. Now I leave you with my favorite parting prayer: Christ, the Son of Righteousness shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path, and the blessings of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be with you now and remain with you always.
M y deepest sympathy to the family with the loss of an amazing lady….My Love and prayers are with all the family …..She will be missed by all that knew and Loved her….RIP Martha