Martha DuBose Hoole, known to friends and family as Marcia, passed away on March 23, 2020 at Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton, Georgia. She was 84.

Martha is survived by her son, Eugene Stoddard Taylor of Atlanta; daughter, Elizabeth (Betsy) Taylor Archer; son-in-law, Alan Archer; grandchildren, Hannah and James Archer of Signal Mountain, Tn.; sister, Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) Hoole McArthur: brother-in-law, Hugh McArthur of Dalton; nephew, Hugh and his wife Nancy McArthur of Tallahassee, and their son and daughter-in-law Dr. Nathaniel and Jessica Amos of Fort Myers, Fl.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Martha Sanders Hoole, and her father, Dr. William Stanley Hoole, a renowned author, librarian, Fulbright Scholar, and dean at the University of Alabama.

Born Sept. 20, 1935 in Birmingham, Al., Martha spent her childhood in Denton, Tx., and Tuscaloosa, Al. As a student at the University of Alabama, she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority, participated in two swim teams, and was active in many student organizations. Because of her outstanding participation and leadership in student activities, she was selected for membership in the prestigious Mortar Board honor society. She was graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and classical languages, and subsequently earned the Master of Science degree in library science from Florida State University.

During her long and illustrious career Martha worked with Atlanta Public Library, Emory University, Dalton City Schools, Whitfield County Schools, Dalton-Whitfield County Public Library, and Northwest Georgia Regional Library. In conjunction with her work at Emory, and because of her expertise, she was selected for advanced training by the National Archives on archival document management. She also pursued graduate study in genealogy at Samford University in Birmingham, Al.

With her excellent abilities, professional training, and superior work ethic, Martha served in many roles and filled many library positions, including instruction, communications, public service, community outreach, special collections, reference, funding grants, adult services, and administration. Over the years she served as librarian at Varnell Elementary School, as chairman of the Dalton-Whitfield Library Board, as director of the local Dalton-Whitfield County Library, and as director of the Dalton Regional Library System (Northwest Georgia Regional Library System, including Whitfield, Murray, Gordon, and Catoosa counties).

Martha was an accomplished scholar and life-long learner. She loved books, research, and excellence in scholarship. Her interests were diverse, often focusing on history, literature, and genealogy, but she was always eager to read another book or pursue another challenge. She was an enthusiastic member of Lesche Literary Club and served as president for two years.

Martha also maintained a keen interest in outdoor sports. She loved swimming, and over the years taught many adults and youngsters swimming and life-saving skills. She was a certified scuba diver, and enjoyed both canoeing and kayaking.

Martha was an enthusiastic world traveler and treasured her many visits inspired by her love of history. She appreciated the beauty of nature, loved dogs, adored classical music, delighted in herb gardens, and enjoyed many fun-filled summers on Lookout Mountain. Confirmed in the Episcopal Church at age 12 in 1947, Martha was a faithful and committed Christian all of her life. She lived life to the fullest and treasured her family and many friends. All who knew her, loved her. She will be greatly missed.

The family extends sincere appreciation to long-time friends Stella and Herman Pratt and their entire family, the staff of Royal Oaks and The Gardens, Hamilton Primary Care, Hamilton Cardiology, and the many doctors and nurses of Hamilton Hospital System. Her life was made richer and longer because of their friendship, kindness, compassion, and care.

Per Martha’s wishes, and because of concern for the health of friends and family under present conditions, no formal memorial services will be held. Instead, the family will hold a graveside memorial service at a later date at the Hoole burial site in Grove Hill Cemetery in Darlington, S.C., the family’s ancestral home for over two centuries.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Martha’s memory to the archive library that was created, nurtured, and named for her father, the W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa; or, if preferred, to a charity of choice.

You may leave the family a message of comfort at www.julianpeeples.com.

Julian Peeples Funeral Home, 2801 Cleveland Rd, Dalton, Georgia (706) 259-7455 is in charge of arrangements.