Martha Elizabeth "Libby" Hiatt

Martha “Libby” Hiatt passed away peacefully at her home, Tuesday, April 22, 2025 with her family by her side.

She was a loving and devoted wife to Willie Hiatt for 57 years, which was the strong foundation for the family to come. Together they built a family with 3 beautiful children, Jay Hiatt (Kim), Jolene Sawyer (Wade), Zoanne Edwards (Tony), 11 Grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Although it was always an ongoing joke between the kids & grandkids of who was the favorite, her loving and unique bond with each of them were undeniable special. She is also survived by her sister, Linda Reynolds and brother, Melvin Martin.

As a mother, she raised her children with love and guidance, always instilling in them the values of compassion and service as well in her son and daughter in laws, grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A true caregiver, who many knew and called “Ma,” she was known for her warm hospitality and ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved in her home. Her kitchen and front porch was always a gathering place, filled with laughter and the aroma of homemade meals, a testament to her boundless capacity to feed and care for others. Her sweet tea was legendary and enjoyed by everyone who came to her home.

As a faithful member of Faith Free Will Baptist Church, “Libby” found joy in prayer, scripture, and sharing her faith with those around her which was no different when it came to her professional life. Her dedication and devotion as housekeeper was marked by her meticulous work ethic and her genuine care for the homes she tended, but more importantly her love & compassion for the people whose homes she entered. She didn’t just care for their homes, she cared for them, their families and made everlasting friendships, often making cakes for many of them. She was a giver and never wanted anyone to leave her house empty-handed. Whether it was a thoughtful gift she had picked up for them, or some food she had cooked, she would fill your arms with love before you left. She always made sure not to forget that the chickens, cats or dogs didn’t go without either. Her faithful friends Lois & Terry Sutton were also by her side and made sure that her and Willie were able to get out of the house, find somewhere good to eat and make memories along the way.

The family is eternally grateful for the compassionate and unwavering care provided by her team of Doctors, nurses, technicians and many other medical staff; especially her niece, Melinda Hiatt. They never hesitated to go over and beyond to make sure her needs were met over the last several years. Although SECU infusion center along with Carolina East Hospital was almost a second home with multiple hospital stays & appointments, she was always welcomed with warm faces.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leroy and Martha Martin; her granddaughter, Katie Sawyer; her grandson, TJ Edwards; her brothers, Albert Martin, Matthew Martin, and Bobby Martin; and her sister, Marie Martin.

Funeral service will be 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Faith Free Will Baptist Church with Pastor Dwayne Boyd officiating. The family will receive friends just prior to the service from 2 p.m. until service time. She will be laid to rest at the family cemetery, Whispering Pines, 2540 Olympia Road, New Bern.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” — 2 Timothy 4:7.