Martha Joan Jennings

Martha Jennings, 65, devoted wife, and beloved Mom and wonderful friend to many around the world, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 4, 2026, at Novant Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Martha lived a life that was the embodiment of kindness, grace, dignity, and unwavering love and devotion to her family and friends.

Martha was born on Feb. 19, 1961, in Detroit, Michigan, to Phil and Marlene Glotfelty. Martha was raised in Marshall, MI, and graduated from Marshall High School in June 1979. Martha attended Albion College in Albion, MI, where she met her future husband, Peter Jennings, her sophomore year. At Albion, where Martha graduated in 1983, Pete and Martha started their lifelong journey together. Martha and Pete were married on May 14, 1984, at the Martha Mary Chapel in Greenfield Village in Dearborn, MI. Martha worked in various hospitality roles while Pete finished law school at Wake Forest University, graduating in May 1985. After graduation, they moved to Midland, MI, where Pete started his career in the Legal Dept of The Dow Chemical Company. For the next 38 years, he and Martha went side by side during Pete's work at Dow. Selflessly and graciously, Martha worked tirelessly through moves in the US and around the world. Each of their six houses and three apartments always had the remarkable "Martha touch," which was beautiful, comfortable, and immaculate. At the same time, Martha shared many roles in their marriage in addition to wife and Mom. Martha was at all times Pete's advisor, counselor, psychiatrist, attorney, physician, sports psychologist, best friend and confidant. Routinely, she had to fill all these roles on the same day.

Martha was immensely proud and committed to her two kids. Her daughter, Gretchen, was born in Midland, MI, on August 4, 1988, and her brother Spencer joined the family on May 21, 1991, also born in Midland. From the time the kids were born, for her entire life, Martha put her heart and soul into being the best Mom humanly possible to Gretchen and Spencer.

From Gretchen: 
“Mom had a servant's heart, always putting her family and friends first. She was completely devoted to those around her. Throughout the many moves across state lines and around the world, Mom made incredible, lifelong friends. She thanklessly and humbly took care of us and the house, planned trips, supported the school, helped with homework, cheered on sporting events, among a myriad of other activities. Mom was remarkable in the kitchen, and hardly a day went by without fresh baking coming out of the oven. Her recipes were coveted by many, and cookies quite literally were fought over by my friends. Her signature dishes are one way in which her memory will live on and be passed down to my girls and hopefully their children as well. I am grateful that while she wasn’t fully aware of the shrieking, giggly, small people around her, Sierra and Calais got to know Meemaw. My girls had a special bond with her and delighted in getting her to laugh. In the final years, where her smiles were less frequent, Sierra and Calais made Mom absolutely laugh with tears of joy, and I will carry these joyous memories with me forever.”

From Spencer: 
“I was so fortunate to be raised by my Mom. She was one of the most honorable, kind, and humble people I've ever known. I never saw her drink alcohol, heard her use foul language, or speak badly about anyone. She never cared about material things or social status. Instead, she showed me that a truly fulfilled life is found in simplicity, faith, love, and kindness. She was an incredible mother to my sister and me, the perfect wife to my father, and a beautiful person both inside and out. Although Alzheimer's slowly took away so much of her mind and body during the last few years of her life, they could never take away who she truly was or the impact she had on those who loved her.”

Martha's endearing characteristics of being humble, compassionate, and a gentle soul enabled her to make lifelong friends in Midland, in Texas, in Hong Kong, and Tokyo. At the same time, Martha's favorite place in the world was Millbrook Resort in Arrowtown, New Zealand. She loved the beauty, the tranquility, the Pūkeko birds, long walks, but mostly she loved the people at Millbrook and in Arrowtown. As was her way, Martha soon became the favorite of the Millbrook Staff. She loved them, and they loved her back. We are so grateful to Millbrook for the priceless family memories and friendships there that started in 1999.

Finally, the family would like to thank the amazing team of caregivers and angels of mercy: Kirsten, Becks, Tania, Ann, Momma D, and Sonya for their dedication and for providing love, comfort, and friendship to Martha. Also, thanks to the two best friends in the world, Cliff and Rick, for everything they did for Martha and Pete over many years, especially over the last difficult few.

In addition to Pete, Gretchen, Spencer, Sierra Bruner, Calais Bruner, and son-in-law David Bruner, Martha left a number of loving family members and incredible friends around the world.

In lieu of funeral services, a series of Celebrations of Life will be held around the world.

The family asks in gratitude that any contributions be made to the Wake Forest Men's and Women's Golf programs at Wake Forest University, honoring Martha's enduring friendships with these programs and these young golfers. Memorial gifts may be mailed to the Wake Forest Deacon Club, 499 Deacon Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27105; or Give to Men's Golf Excellence Fund; or Give to Women's Golf Excellence Fund.