Martha Ann Caldwell Marcum

Martha Ann Caldwell Marcum, age 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 29, 2025, in hospice care at Haywood Regional Medical Center.
A native of Haywood County and a 1956 graduate of Crabtree-Iron Duff High School, she was the daughter of the late Johnny Caldwell, Sr. and Dollie Packett Caldwell of Waynesville. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Lamar "Whitey" Marcum, her step-daughter, Linda Mondabaugh Wourms and a son, Willie Messer.
She was always known for her love for her family and friends, her hospitality, her energetic spirit, her independent streak, her true servant's heart - and for making the best "homemade biscuits"! Along with her husband, Whitey, they owned and operated The Shack Dish Barn on Soco Mountain in Maggie Valley for 40 years, making lifelong friends along the way. They loved traveling together on cruises and visiting friends and family both near and far. Martha was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Maggie Valley and enjoyed being involved in the Young at Heart Sunday School class, serving as the Bible Study Director, and working with Meals on Wheels as well as Operation Christmas Child ministry.
Martha was a treasured daily attendee at the Maggie Valley Senior Center, where she was always one of the first to arrive each morning. She thoroughly enjoyed her time spent there with dear friends, sharing meals, playing cards, going on day trips and more. She was always willing to teach others how to play the card games, particularly "Hand and Foot" or "Joker". Also a jigsaw puzzle enthusiast, Martha frequently worked on puzzles at the center as well as at home. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Martha is survived by a son, Dan Messer (Resa Brooks) of Waynesville, and two daughters, Robin Messer Neill of Lincolnton, NC and Barbara Messer Rathburn (Eric) of Hendersonville, NC; brothers, Johnny Caldwell, Jr. (Susie), Richard Caldwell (Nila), and Cliff Caldwell (Sandra), all of Clyde NC, and Ken Caldwell (Anne), of Jacksonville FL, and sister, Judy Ray (Tommy), of Waynesville NC; grandchildren, James Keller of Lincolnton, NC, Josh Stephenson and Talesha Stephenson of Waynesville, Heather Wourms Saylor (Brad) and Christopher Wourms (Jennifer) of Dayton, OH, Roy Messer (Jennifer) of Silver Cliff, CO and Lydia Rathburn of Hendersonville, NC; 14 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; boyfriend, Jimmie Steele of Maggie Valley, NC; a special nephew, Ben Gibbons (Michelle) and family, of Columbus, OH; and her beloved dog, Pepper.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm, Saturday, September 6, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Maggie Valley with Rev. Glenn Brown officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Burial will follow the service at Garrett-Hillcrest Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the American Diabetes Association.
Smoky Mountain Cremations and Funeral Service of Maggie Valley is caring for the family
and the online register is available at www.smokymountaincremations.com.