Search by Name

Search by Name

Martha Josephine Atwater

1936 - 2024

Martha Josephine Atwater obituary, 1936-2024, Columbia, SC

BORN

1936

DIED

2024

FUNERAL HOME

Thompson Funeral Homes - Columbia

845 Leesburg Rd

Columbia, South Carolina

Martha Atwater Obituary

Martha Josephine Atwater

September 24, 1936 - February 18, 2024

Columbia, South Carolina - Martha Josephine Atwater ("MarthaJo" and "Pumpkin") passed peacefully at her home on Sunday, February 18, 2024. Born in Burlington, NC on September 24, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Luther E. Atwater, Jr and Martha Coble Atwater. During her childhood her family settled in Columbia, SC to operate the Pepsi Bottling Company. Throughout adulthood, MarthaJo was a thrill seeker and loved to drive fast cars and spend time sailing on the lake. In lieu of flowers, friends ask that you contribute to the Anderson University Education Foundation as late in life she was touched by a loving conversation between a father and his daughter who was a student at Anderson. Many thanks go out to those who loved and cared for her in her final days, including Prisma Hospice staff and the Visiting Angels staff, with a special thanks to Connie and Gary who made her final weeks peaceful and comfortable.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The State on Feb. 21, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Martha Atwater

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

Rosanne Sullivan Prim

May 20, 2025

Dear Cousin Punkin- I have many memories from childhood with you and will always cherish them. So sorry we lost contact over the years and wish I could have spent time with you in your final days.

All my love,
Rosanne

Tina

February 28, 2024

We had our ups and downs but you and your opinions will stay with me forever. Miss you punkin.

Cheryl Shofner

February 22, 2024

I truly enjoyed the chats with Martha Jo when she visited my work prior to my retirement. I loved talking with her about politics, family members and the fact she and my husband shared the same North Carolina hometown. She was definitely opinionated! I have thought of her often. She is missed.

George Watt, M.D.

February 21, 2024

Martha Jo was a patient of mine for many years and I will miss her. She was feisty and always had an opinion- especially when it came to politics. One never doubted where she stood on any subject. May she now Rest In Peace and may light perpetual shine upon her.

Deborah Albrecht

February 20, 2024

MJ thank you for letting me be part of your family. I will miss you terribly ,love, Debbie.

Connie

February 19, 2024

I enjoyed making the final journey with you

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in Martha Atwater's name

Memorial Events
for Martha Atwater

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Thompson Funeral Homes - Columbia

845 Leesburg Rd, Columbia, SC 29209

How to support Martha's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Martha Atwater's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more