Winnie Mae Giddens Martel of Asheville, NC and formerly of Willard, passed from her earthly life during the early morning of Wednesday, June 15, 2022 while in Carolina Pines at Asheville, NC.  Born on May 17, 1933, she is the daughter of the late Bruce Oliver and Nancy Jane Rivenbark Giddens.  Also preceding her in death are sisters—Bertha Giddens, Pearl Honeycutt, and Ruby Lee Giddens; three brothers—Henry Solon Giddens, Albert Giddens, and James Earl Giddens; and nephew—Alvin Salmon.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter—Brenda Inns of Idaho; grandchildren—Danielle (Cesar) Herrera, Jenna Price, and Spencer (Kelsie) Price; six great grandchildren; nieces—Jane Jones of White Lake and Deborah Giddens of White Lake; nephew—Randy Gray of Goldsboro; four great nieces; one great nephew; and good friend Susie Churchfield of Asheville.

Ms. Martel was born in the Willard community of Pender County and grew up there.  She moved to Los Angeles (CA) where she worked for Wells Fargo Bank and then moved to Asheville where she lived for the remainder of her life.  During her time in Asheville, she was a member of the Immanuel Presbyterian Church of Asheville.

A graveside service to celebrate her life is set for 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 24, 2022, in Riverview Memorial Park of Watha, NC.  Officiating the service will be the Reverend Tom McMahon.  In the event of inclement weather, the service will be moved to the mausoleum section at Riverview Memorial Park.