Martha Whaley Turco

Martha W. Turco, 91, of Okatie, SC, passed away Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at Bloom at Belfair in Bluffton, SC. She was born on December 7, 1931, in Knoxville, TN, to Arley and Ruth (McFadden) Whaley. She married Ronald F. Turco in Pensacola, Florida, and they later divorced.

Martha graduated from Bearden High School in Knoxville in 1950 and joined the Navy, becoming a Wave after graduating in recruit training Company 20 at U.S.N.T.C., Great Lakes. She was assigned to flight operations in Pensacola, FL, where she managed flight simulators. She lived in many locations, including Jacksonville, Mayport, FL; Portsmouth, VA; and Wheaton, MD. She became the floor manager for the Montgomery County Workshop for the Handicap, where she was a much-beloved staff member. She moved to Maryville, Tennessee, near Nelson "Bud" and Margaret Whaley, her brother and sister-in-law. After several years, she moved to Bluffton, SC, near her daughter Kathleen Turco.

Martha's greatest joy in life was her family. She leaves a lasting legacy through her beloved children, whose lives she shaped with love, guidance, and unwavering support. Her nurturing spirit, wisdom, and unconditional love will forever be cherished by her children, grandchildren, and the many lives she touched. Beyond her role as a mother, Martha was an active member of her church, always ready to lend a helping hand and make a positive impact.

Martha leaves behind children Ronald F. Turco Jr. (Gale), Donald W. Turco, Kathleen M. Turco, and grandsons Lt. Cmdr Alex Turco (Caroline), Kyle Turco (Olivia), and great-grandchildren Beckett, Colette, and Henry Turco. She is preceded in death by her parents, Arley and Ruth Whaley; her son William E. Turco; sister, Bobbie Whaley; brother Bud and sister-in-law Margaret Whaley.

Martha's spirit, love, and dedication to family and country will forever live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered as a shining example of kindness and strength. Martha's family and friends will hold a Celebration of Life in the fall.