Martha Elizabeth Wilkerson Hardesty

Martha Elizabeth Wilkerson Hardesty, 82, passed away on February 8, 2026, in Winston-Salem, NC.

Martha was born on September 2, 1943, in Washington, DC, to O.W. Wilkerson (1906-1974) of Asheville, NC, and Evelyn Harrison Wilkerson (1913-1974) of Moyock, NC. Martha grew up in Asheville, NC. Throughout her life, she also resided in Winston-Salem, NC, Clemmons, NC, and Moyock, NC.

Martha contracted polio at the age of 5 and spent 11 months in an iron lung. She was the March of Dimes Poster child during her childhood. Martha had many surgeries throughout her life to battle the lasting effects of polio, and she met each challenge with unimaginable courage and grace.

Martha attended Appalachian State Teachers College in Boone, NC. Her employment included W.S. administrator at WTOB Radio Station, administrator for owner of Asheville Tourist Baseball Club (the Cincinnati Reds), personal assistant to H. Hanes of Hanes Corporation, and comptroller for Foster Grant-Hoechst Corporation. She retired in 1983.

Martha was married to Jerry Warren Hardesty of Elizabeth City, NC for over 51 years. They resided in Moyock, NC before moving to Winston Salem, NC in 1984.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents and nephew, Hayden Eller (1980-2023). She is survived by her loving husband, Jerry Hardesty; her children, Wesley Ashburn (Donna) of La Vernia, TX, Randal Hardesty (Felicia) of New Orleans, LA, Donna Barefoot (Lee) of Lewisville, NC, Sheryl Holbrook (CD) of Smithfield, NC; grandchildren, Morgan Cobb (Jeremy), and Evan Ashburn of La Vernia, TX, Lane Kozicz (Andy) of New Orleans, LA, Zachary Barefoot (Nikki), Shannon Barefoot (Troy Figueroa) of Winston Salem, NC, Jeremy Byrum of Boone, NC, Casey Mason (Erika Johnson) of Smithfield, NC; great-grandchildren, Hudson, Bennett and Ellie Cobb of La Vernia, TX, Caden Byrum of Camden, NC, Peyton Mason, Sarah and Levi Johnson of Smithfield, NC; sister, Linda W. Eller (Reggie) of North Wilkesboro, NC; brother, Wayne O. Wilkerson (Beth) of Melbourne, FL; nieces and nephews, Austin Eller of North Wilkesboro, NC, Taylor Wilkerson, of Satellite Beach, FL, Evelyn (Rae) Wilkerson (Mike Karris) of Tallahassee, FL; and great-niece, Aven Eller, of North Wilkesboro, NC.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel, 3315 Silas Creek Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC, officiated by Rev. Clyde Hardesty. A visitation will take place an hour prior to the service at the funeral home. A reception will immediately follow the service at the Robert F. Miller Center, 3315 Silas Creek Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC.