Martha Whack

Martha R. Whack was born Martha Renetta James to Chizzie and Edmond James on
November 29, 1931 in Florence, South Carolina. Martha received her formal education in
Florence Public Schools, starting with Holmes Elementary School and graduating from dear old Wilson High. She also attended Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina.

Martha was a twin to Mary Elaine James Scott. In Florence, they were affectionately known as "The Twins". You would never know that Martha was in fact the youngest by 19 minutes, as she was the most talkative of the two.

Martha moved to Philadelphia with her two cherished sons, Randolph and Gregory Phillips. She was married to Eugene Whack on July 27, 1968 and moved her family of four to Queens, New York where they shared 54 years together.

Martha exemplified Maya Angelou’s saying that people may forget what you say but they will never forget how you made them feel. Martha’s wisdom’s left you feeling stronger, equipped, and ready to face the world. With charm, grace, and out of this world class, Martha, along with her sister Mary took the world by storm; traveling the world. However, her favorite trips were the ones, when she came home to Florence, were she always enjoyed attending Wilson’s Homecoming and Annual reunion activities.

During her brief illness many friends and family called and sent cards. Her neighbor, Mrs.
Jeannie Pradieu kept a watchful eye for her, and in her final days, no one could have cared better for her than her caretaker, Ms. Deborah Paul.

Martha quietly transitioned to be with her sister on December 23, 2021, but not without reaching her 90th Birthday, a goal she wanted to reach for her and her beloved Mary. Martha, along with Mary spent the better part of 90 years leading the James Family across four generations.

Martha is preceded in death by her parents, Chizzie and Edmond James, her son, Randolph Phillips (Gwen), her twin Mary James Scott, Edna Mae "Sister" James and "Baby" Ruth James.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Gregory Phillips, three half-sisters, Louise White, Helen Thomas (Dozier), and Evelyn Miller (John), grandchildren; Greggory Phillips, Marcus Phillips (Dameria) Malcom Phillips (Natalie), Stuart Willoughby, and Mya Phillips. Four great grandchildren, Byrce Willoughby, Micah Phillips, Jordyn Phillips, and “Miss Novah Phillips”, who affectionately called her “GG”. Nephews; Edmund "Buck" James (Lois), Eldeen (Deen) Johnson (Jackie), Walter Johnson (Carolyn), Phillip Johnson, Justin James (Toni), Shamon Johnson (Rebecca), DeAndre Johnson. Very Special Niece, Carol Johnson. Nieces: Helen “Penni” Scott, Shanna James Marina (Frank), Dionne P. Morse (Joel), Chizzie Denise Johnson, and Philesha Carol Johnson; Special nieces, Vicki Morris, Lois Morris, her mentee, Allison Brooks, and a host of family, cousins, and lifelong friends

Please keep the family of Martha James Whack in your thoughts and prayers