Martha Foster Sullivan

1958 - 2015

Martha Foster Sullivan obituary, 1958-2015, Montgomery, AL

BORN

1958

DIED

2015

FUNERAL HOME

Leak Memory Chapel

945 Lincoln Road

Montgomery, Alabama

Martha Sullivan Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 26, 2015.

Martha Louise "Marty Lou" Foster Sullivan, 56, died peacefully Thursday, March 26, 2015, at her Montgomery home surrounded by her family after a valiant almost year-long fight with cancer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Martha Thompson Foster (2014) and Richard "Dick" Foster (2004) of Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Va., whom she loved dearly. Marty graciously served as primary caregiver for her mother for 10 years prior to Marty's cancer diagnosis and her mother's death in 2014. It is fair to say Marty's dedication to her family was of utmost importance to her and a true reflection of her heart.

Marty was born on July 5, 1958, in Tampa, Florida. She spent her formative years in the Coral Gables and Miami, Fla. area. She was a 1976 graduate of Miami's Westminster Christian School.

When she went to college, she found her second home at Auburn University, where she served as a loyal member and president of the Chi Omega sorority and was among the 1979 Top Five Miss Homecoming Court. She graduated with honors from Auburn in 1980 with a degree in journalism and public relations. She cherished her years at Auburn University and looked back on her time there with pride and adoration.

After a four-year stint as a journalist working for the Alabama Journal, Montgomery's former afternoon newspaper, Marty moved on to her life's work as the consummate public relations professional. She worked for several corporate entities, all in Montgomery, including Blount Brothers Construction Co., Colonial BancGroup Inc. and the EverRest Group; did agency work for Tapley and Associates; and twice owned her own PR firm, The Write Solution and Blue Sky Communications.

Her longest public relations position was as senior vice president for public affairs for the Business Council of Alabama, a statewide business and industry association. Her work with that political organization led to her serving as director of policy and communications for the 2010 Bradley Byrne gubernatorial campaign and later briefly as publisher of the Inside Alabama Politics newsletter.

She was a member of the Public Relations Council of Alabama (PRCA) and its Montgomery chapter, serving in several official capacities including chapter president and as the chapter's outstanding practitioner in the year of her presidency. She achieved the status of senior practitioner in 2001 from the Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF) and was the recipient of countless public relations awards on both the state and regional level.

However, Marty's greatest accomplishment and deepest love was her family. She is survived by her husband of twelve years, Edwin Hoke Sullivan; two children, Andrew Foster (Drew) Ellis and Martha Ann Ellis Hight (Wes); their father, Richard Michael (Mike) Ellis; three step sons, Edwin Hoke (Buddy) Sullivan, Jr., Hoke Turner Sullivan and Christopher Andrew (Drew) Sullivan (Lauren Smith); granddaughter, Mary Ford Sullivan, sister, Judith Katherine (Judy) Serpente (Jim); two nephews, Richard James Flaherty (Sheri) and Sean Patrick Flaherty; two dogs, Marley and Taylor; and countless adored cousins and friends. She will be forever loved and deeply missed by all who knew her. Her life, though it was cut short, was lived fully and happily with a most sincere devotion to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A celebration of her life will take place Sunday, March 29th at 3:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Montgomery with burial to follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Dr. Lawson Bryan officiating. Visitation will take place prior to the service from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the church. Pallbearers will be Chase Chambliss, Jimmy Dennis, Patrick Flaherty, Richard Flaherty, Kevin Ketzler, Hans Luquire, Quintin Riggins, and Johnny Sullivan.

The family asks in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marty's name to the Wellness Foundation at Montgomery Cancer Center, 4145 Carmichael Road, Montgomery, AL 36106
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.leak-mc.com.

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

Memories and Condolences
for Martha Sullivan

What is your first memory of Martha?

Share a favorite memory you have of Martha.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Martha.

Describe a time when Martha made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Martha?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Martha.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Martha.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Martha.

What is something you learned from Martha?

Not sure what to say?

April 12, 2015

Stephen Stone

So sad to see a loved one pass so soon. As a cousin I shared many of the family moments she loved so much. My heart goes out to Hoke, and the kids because I lost my wife to a long battle with cancer also. This message comes late, but I will be honoring Marty's memory by donating to her charity.

March 30, 2015

Jeff Andrews

Marty Lou was a true professional and a great friend. I will always think of her fondly and miss her a lot.

March 30, 2015

Keron Forte

My sympathy and prayers go out to Marty's family. She was a true fighter and now she is at peace, no longer suffering, and watching over us left down here! Rest on dear, Marty. You have earned your heavenly crown.--Keron Forte, Montgomery, AL

March 30, 2015

Loved & adored Marty Lou! A sharp & smart cookie! She will be sorely missed on this earth but the heavenly angels and our Lord are rejoicing.
Sincerely,
Roxanne Raley Given (Auburn Chi Omega & former Montgomery girl & native)

March 30, 2015

Loved Marty Lou! A smart & sharp cookie who will be sorely missed. The heavenly angels are rejoicing!
Sincerely,
Roxanne Raley Given (Auburn Chi Omega & former Montgomery girl)

March 28, 2015

Brenda Reese

Hoke and Family, I am so sad for your loss. Nothing can match the hurt of missing a loved one. May God bless you and give you much comfort in the coming weeks.

March 28, 2015

My deepest sympathy to the Sullivan Family in the loss of your dear love one. May the God of all comfort and love of family and friends comfort you during this difficult time.

March 28, 2015

Eileen Jones

My insides are just aching over Marty's death. She was a very special person....and there will always be a special place in my heart for her.

March 28, 2015

Jerry and Johanna Bise

Hoke and family,
Our prays and sincere sympathy are with you and the family Marty was a wonderful person.

March 28, 2015

Caroline Nutter Duffy

I remember Marty Lou with fondness from our days at Auburn. A beautiful, smart and accomplished woman, gone too soon. Wishing her family peace.

March 27, 2015

Laura Hicks

I knew Marty through the BCA and PRCA. She was an exceptionally professional, southern lady with much poise and many significant accomplishments. My thoughts and prayers are with you, her cherished family and close friends. God be with you.

March 27, 2015

nancy whitt

what a beautiful and accomplished lady.my thoughts and prayers are with the family, especially mae and wes, whom i know and love. nancy whitt.

March 27, 2015

Ed Givhan

Mae and Drew, I am so sorry for your loss. If I can do anything for you, please know I'm here for you.

Ed Givhan

March 27, 2015

Jeff & Tami Shelley

Please know that our prayers are with all of you.

March 27, 2015

Dianne Stanley

Lovely cousin, you'll be forever in my memory. There was no one like you - radiating love, providing support and making everyone smile!

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

Make a Donation
in Martha Sullivan's name

Memorial Events
for Martha Sullivan

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:

Leak Memory Chapel

945 Lincoln Road, Montgomery, AL 36109

How to support Martha's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished 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
How to Write an Obituary

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

Read more
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
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 Sullivan's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

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

Read more
Obituary Templates

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

Read more
Obituary Examples

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

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