Martha & Barry Georgia

Martha (Marty) Ellen Davis was born in Columbus, OH on November 4, 1930.  Twenty days later on November 24, 1930 Barry Jerome Georgia was born in Detroit, MI.  It was soon apparent to Marty’s mom that Marty had perfect pitch.  One day she heard her singing, so she marched her over to the piano and each note she played, Marty sang in tune.  Thus began Marty’s lifelong love of music.  When Barry was in high school, the Marine Corps raised the flag over Iwo Jima and Barry was gung-ho, signing up for the reserves the month of his seventeenth birthday.  He went on to complete a tour of duty in Korea.

In the summer of 1952, Marty’s brother Bill invited his fellow Marine, Barry, to visit for the weekend.  Marty spied Barry from her upstairs window and it was an instant attraction.  Their odyssey together began that November when they married on the fourteenth, the day halfway between their birthdates. 

A Marine Corps family life followed, taking them to numerous U.S. duty stations and Barry to overseas stints in Okinawa and Vietnam.  Along with raising their children, they were active in the Lutheran Church.  Barry competed in the Marine Corps bowling league and even toyed with the idea of becoming a professional bowler before deciding to re-enlist.  By 1971 he had earned the rank of CWO4.  In 1972 they were at their last duty station in Quantico when they came upon a random brochure touting custom homes for sale in Paradise Hills.  They were more than ready to retire from the Marine Corps and took the leap.

This turned into a rich, full life for them both.  Marty’s passion for music and art flourished now as she taught piano, developed her talent for sketching and painting, and sang in and/or directed various choruses and choirs including the New Mexico Symphony Chorus, Albuquerque Women’s Ensemble, and the All Saints Lutheran Church choir.  Barry, now a civilian, tried out several accounting positions before settling on his second career with Lutheran Brotherhood Life Insurance.  This afforded him the luxury of joining the Paradise Hills Country Club, where he golfed and played cards to his heart’s content.  He later joined the senior golf association, golfed his age while in his 80s, and shot his first hole-in-one in 2013.

They were a remarkable pair~ incredible parents and grandparents.  Their home was the hub for all manner of family gatherings, lively card playing, witty conversation, and laughter!  And every November Barry and Marty, in their respective school sweatshirts, stationed themselves in front of the big screen for the OSU vs MI football game, a sacred event.

Sadly, Marty passed away on September 28, 2020 and four days later on October 3, 2020 Barry followed.

They are survived by their children Michael A. Georgia, Janis E. G. Briggs, Scott K. Georgia; grandchildren Allison R. Briggs, Sean R. Briggs, Alex A. Georgia, Derek J. Georgia; great-grandchildren Skylar E. Briggs-Blakeman, Kimber A. Georgia, Brighton M. Georgia, Sophia K. Georgia.  Marty was preceded in death by siblings June Irene Schneuker, William K. Davis, and Raleigh W. Davis.  She is survived by siblings Betty Nye, John H. Davis, and Paul E. Davis; numerous nieces and nephews. Barry is survived by siblings Greg C. Georgia and Susan L. Renaud; several nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be held Tuesday October 27, 2020 from 5-7pm.  Memorial postponed until further notice.  In lieu of flowers please give to a veterans’ or children’s charity of your choice.