Martha Scott Haley, 99, of Gainesville, Ga., died Dec. 1

Martha Scott Haley left this world at age 99 on Dec. 1, 2023, in Gainesville, Ga.

Scottie was born in Richmond and lived in Norfolk, Syracuse, N.Y., Chicago Ill., Knoxville, Tenn., Atlanta, Ga., Deerfield Beach, Fla., Lexington; and Gainesville, Ga.

She graduated from Agnes Scott College, where she played field hockey. Later she became an avid tennis player and played in many local and international tennis leagues.

Always open to new experiences, Scottie began working at Neiman Marcus department store in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in the 1980s where she won many awards for her sales acumen. Then, in her 70s, she accepted a position as a fraternity house mother at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, a position Scottie loved and treasured. Remarkably, she retired as “House Mom Haley” at age 95. She loved to tell stories about her fraternity boys and their often hilarious escapades.

People who knew Scottie best will remember her radiant smile that could light up any room. She said many times that her sense of humor got her through this life. Whether in times of celebration or solace, she had a way of sharing her infectious smile, a comforting presence that uplifted those around her. Her legacy lives on in the laughter and smiles she bestowed upon the world, a reminder to spread humor in an often harsh world.

She was preceded in death by her husband William A. Haley; daughter Meg Wade; sisters, Mildred Ann Berkowitz and Patricia Adair; and brother Evans Johnson.

Surviving are her three sons, William Haley (Melanie) of Gainesville, Ga., Thomas Haley (Pam) of Highlands, N.C., and Robert Haley (Martha) of Mountain Brook, Ala.; along with nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

In her memory, let's continue the legacy of living with humor, gratitude, and an unyielding spirit.

Her ashes will be interned in South Boston in the near future.