Obituary of Martha Jane Haywood

AIKEN, SC – Martha Jane (“Janie”) Haywood, 79, died in her home on Friday, January 22, 2021, with her son Mark near her side. Born in Daytona Beach, FL, Janie was the daughter of the late Constantine Simon and Eva Jae Moeller. After graduating high school in Greenville, SC, she attended college in Columbia, SC, where she met and fell in love with Ralph Charles Haywood of Chicopee Falls, MA. They were married in Gastonia, NC, on December 13, 1960.

 

Following Ralph’s graduation from the University of South Carolina in 1963, Janie moved to Aiken with him and their two young children. Once the children grew older, she went on to complete her undergraduate studies, obtaining a degree in accounting from USC, where she graduated with honors. Although she worked briefly outside the home following graduation, her focus throughout her life remained centered on her family. When her husband became incapacitated with Guillain-Barre syndrome in 2004, she spent the next four years as his steadfast and devoted caregiver, until his death in 2008.

 

Apart from her husband, Janie’s closest friends were unquestionably her two children, both of whom adored her sense of play and quirky eccentricities, and alternately marveled at and despaired over her spunky determination and grit. She was fun and funny; she loved earrings that dangled and sparkly silver bangles; and she was always up for an adventure. During her life, she biked across the Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys with her husband; explored the streets of Paris with her son; and, at the age of 70, parasailed with her daughter in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. In more recent years, she stuck close to home, walking the halls in her big elf slippers and taking comfort in the companionship of her grand-dog, a large and gentle black lab whom she called “The Heidi.”

 

Janie is survived by her daughter, Kathryn (“Katie”) Belle Haywood, and Katie’s husband, John Hillson, of Hillsborough, NC; and her son, Mark Alexander Haywood, and his fiancé, Pam Gorsich, of North Augusta, SC. Katie and Mark would like to thank the four women who helped take such loving care of their mother toward the end of her life, as well as their mother’s neighbors Mark and Monnie Pitts, whose watchful eye over the years provided them peace of mind.

 

A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Lung Association.

The Historic George Funeral Home, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com