Martha Lee Hedden

Martha Lee Wofford Hedden, 91, wife of the late Frank H. Hedden, of 305 North Church Street, Walhalla, died Saturday, August 20, 2011 at the Cottingham Hospice House. Born Feb., 25, 1920 to Loma Poole Wofford and Jared Johnson Wofford, she grew up in Greenwood, SC, and attended local public schools. Mrs. Hedden enrolled in Winthrop College, graduated in 1941, and accepted a teaching position in Piedmont, SC. During World War II, she left teaching and worked with Delta Airlines in Atlanta as a booking agent, coordinating troop and civilian transport for the commercial airline. At the end of the war, Mrs.Hedden returned to Greenwood and took a job writing advertising copy for a local radio station. In 1947, she met Frank Hedden, the new county agent for Greenwood County, and they married in 1948. In 1953, the Heddens moved to Walhalla, Frank’s hometown. They raised two daughters there and in the mid-1960’s, Mrs. Hedden returned to teaching at Walhalla High School where she taught English until her retirement in 1982. She introduced a generation of Walhalla citizens to the plays of Shakespeare, and taught the essential elements of good writing. During her retirement, Mrs. Hedden enjoyed travel, growing roses, playing bridge and participating in various church, social and civic organizations. Along with several other Walhalla women (“The Trash Ladies”), she was recognized by the City of Walhalla for her efforts at city beautification. Mrs. Hedden also delighted in the company of her grandchildren, and she particularly looked forward to family vacations to the beach at Pawley’s Island. She was a lifelong reader and was especially interested in biographies, memoirs and collections of letters and diaries. Mrs. Hedden was a member of the First Baptist Church of Walhalla, Paul Hayne Circle, the Roundtable Bible Study and the Blue Hills Garden Club. Mrs. Hedden is survived by a daughter: Martha Hedden Murtiashaw of Walhalla; a half brother, Jared Wofford of Greenwood; grandchildren: James Murtiashaw of Charlotte, NC, John Murtiashaw of Redding, CA, Thomas Murtiashaw of San Diego, CA, Brian McGahee of Columbia, SC, Lucy McGahee of Seneca, SC, and Hunter McGahee of Chapin, SC; son-in-law: Mack McGahee and wife Vicki of Chapin, SC. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Hedden was predeceased by a daughter, Susan Hedden McGahee, son-in-law, Charles William Murtiashaw and stepmother, Grace Wofford. Burial services will be private. A public memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 am, on Saturday, August 27, 2011, at Davenport Funeral Home with visitation immediately following the service. The family is at the residence of daughter, Martha Murtiashaw, 101 West Wesley Street, Walhalla, SC. Memorials may be made to Literary Legacy of Walhalla High School, First Baptist Church of Walhalla, Walhalla Partners for Progress, or to the charity of one’s choice.

Martha Lee Hedden

February 25, 1920 - August 20, 2011