In Memory

Martha D. Troutman (Warwick)

Martha Troutman Warwick 

September 13, 1951 - March 1, 2013

Mrs. Warwick was a daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother that lived her life to the fullest. She loved her family, friends, church, and the Lord. Martha began her life as the daughter of Maxine and Ralph Troutman on September 13, 1951. She spent the majority of her childhood in Greensboro, NC. After graduating Grimesly High School, she attended the University of North Carolina Greensboro majoring in accounting. Martha spent her career as a claims adjuster in the insurance industry. She worked in Greensboro and Chesapeake, Virginia. She married George Warwick, her husband of twenty seven and a half years, August 30, 1985. Shortly after marrying George, she began a battle with Multiple Sclerosis that would shape the rest of their lives together. In 1988, her body began to show signs of the progressively debilitating disease. By 1992, she was able to be mobile with the fulltime use of a wheelchair. For some, this disease would have crushed their spirit and will to live. Not so for her. She didn't want pity from anyone, yet she gave compassion and empathy to everyone. It was not unusual for her to cry tears of joy just from hearing of a random act of kindness. She called these tear-jerkers. Her warm heart and willingness to love, allowed her to attract a multitude of close friends in and outside of her church. Friends were such an important part of her life. She and George maintained relationships in Virginia after relocating to Wilmington in 2000. Sunday school members from Chesapeake vacationed with Martha and George annually throughout the southeast for a dozen years. New neighbors became her friend. You see, she wouldn't allow you to go too long without speaking with you. She cared about the important and mundane events or your life. Her life became enriched by hearing about yours. In short, she loved. It didn't matter if you were a retired widow or an eight year old schoolboy looking for a movie and popcorn companion. She loved. Martha was a devoted member of Myrtle Grove Baptist Church. She enjoyed a weekly prayer group along with hosting a weekly Bible study in her home. She played canasta with ladies from her neighborhood. She loved eating out with friends and socializing with her book club. Family events held a special place in her heart. As her son, I didn't call or visit as often as I should, yet she never complained. She cherished the time we spent together. I'm grateful to have spent her final days by her side. I'm grateful for the compassion and skills of the nurses of New Hanover Regional. I'm grateful for my mom. We love you and will remember you always. She now looks from heaven on her husband George, mother Maxine Wallace, son Wrenn Cox, son Kevin Warwick, aunt Rachel Whitehead, daughter-in-law Jessica Cox, daughter-in-law Sarah Warwick, grandson Liam Warwick, grandson Ryan Warwick, brother and sisters-in-law Margaret, Anne, Alice, Nancy, and Bill, numerous nieces and nephews. Martha was pre-deceased by her father Ralph Troutman and her step-father William Wallace. Visitation with the family will be held at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel, 4108 S. College Rd from 7-9 PM, Sunday, March 3, 2013. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, March 4, 2013 at Myrtle Grove Baptist Church. 5524 Myrtle Grove Road. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society (www.nationalmssociety.org) or Gideons International (www.gideons.org)