Martha Lee Hendricks

Martha Lee Hendricks, 88, of Fairview, NC, died peacefully on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the Levine and Dickson Hospice House at Southminster.

Martha was born in Miami, Florida, on May 3, 1936. She grew up in her grandparents' home on Biscayne Bay, loving any animals and birds that crossed her path and enjoying hunting and fishing with her grandfather. After graduating from college, she taught early elementary students for several years in the Miami area.

Martha began singing as a child in the children's choir of her church and continued singing in all the choirs and as a soloist through the many years she attended White Temple Methodist Church, which later became First United Methodist Church of Miami.

Martha left teaching to pursue a singing career, studying under opera singer Gina Maretta. Together with Ms.Maretta and Dr. Maddalena Cerri, Martha was instrumental in forming the Creative Opera Company in Miami, which promoted cultural elevation in the community by providing opportunities for aspiring young vocalists to perform. Martha performed with the opera company many times through the 1970’s.

Martha moved to North Carolina in the mid-1980's, purchasing acreage to enjoy her hobby of owning and raising animals. She enjoyed showing prize-winning chow dogs, breeding miniature horses, emus, and llamas, as well as adding donkeys, Toulouse geese, swans, sheep, goats, and chickens to her farm. She also continued singing in the Charlotte area with local musical groups.

Martha endured a long battle with breast cancer and appreciated all the kind healthcare staff in the Atrium system and Levine Cancer Institute, especially Dr. Lejla Hadzikadic-Gusic, who provided excellent care, friendship, and support.

Many thanks go to Olivia Reeder Hawley, CNA, who provided help with Martha's home and personal care and transportation the last five years as well as her neighbors Faith and Bob Glaser who were always ready and willing to help her over their 31 years living next door. Special appreciation to the kind staff at Levine and Dickson Hospice House at Southminster. Contributions in memory of Martha may be made to Hospice House.

Martha had asked that the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home care for her at this time. Graveside services will be held at 3 pm on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Sunset Memory Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Road, Charlotte.