Martha Jo Griffin Hulsey, most recently of Coconut Creek, Florida, passed away on October 30, 2021 at the age of 88. Prior to her move to Florida, she resided near family in Burke, Virginia since 2015, and before that with her husband Robert Hope Hulsey in Decatur, Georgia since 1983.
Martha was predeceased by her parents William (Bill) and Cynthia Griffin of Douglas, Georgia, her husband Bob, and sisters Nadine Cox of Quincy, Florida and Billie Barksdale of Lafayette, Louisiana.
She is survived by three children – Suzanna Van Meter of Burke, Virginia, Roxanne Raimondi of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Bill Griffin II of Boyds, Maryland – and five grandchildren – Rachel and Brigitta Van Meter of Arlington, Virginia, Robert Karnick III of Washington, DC, Thomas Karnick of Fairfax, Virginia, and Dr. Heidi Amin-Hong of Santa Barbara, California.
Martha was born and raised in Douglas, Georgia, attended Douglas public schools, and graduated from Pearson High School in 1951. Her late husband Bob was also born and raised in Douglas and graduated from Douglas High School in 1950.
After high school, Martha attended South Georgia College (now South Georgia State College) and graduated from Georgia Southern College for Women (now Georgia College and State University) in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts in Home Economics. She later earned her Masters’ degree in Library Science. Martha dedicated her career to teaching grades K-12, including assignments in Douglas, Pearson, Ocilla, and Decatur, Georgia. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Martha was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an amateur genealogist, and lover of travel, history, and literature.
Martha’s parents were founding members of Saint Mark United Methodist Church of Douglas, Georgia. Martha and her children attended Saint Mark while residing in Douglas. The family will hold a small service at Saint Mark at 11am on November 20, 2021, followed by interment at Douglas City Cemetery and luncheon in the church social hall.
Sims Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.