Mary Tula (Martin) Ward of Marietta, Ga. died April 7 surrounded by family and loved ones.

She was born November 17, 1957, in Greenville SC to Notre Dame (Dunlap) Martin and Ernest Henry Martin. She was the fourth of six siblings.

She married Luther Sidney Ward in 1979 who came with a daughter, Jenny. Together, they had two more daughters, Christie and Kari. Mary, or Tula as she was also known, later became a Certified Nursing Assistant and phlebotomist and worked for Wellstar for 19 years before her retirement in 2022.

She was known for her cornbread, unfailing sense of humor, kind spirit, and ability to turn friends into family.

She is survived by daughters, Christie Coursey, married to Mark Coursey, of Powder Springs, and Kari Baumil, married to Scott Baumil of Marietta, GA, and Jenny McDonald, married to Eric McDonald of Bremen, GA; Grandchildren Sean Arter, Mariah Arter, Sydney Baumil, Harrison Baumil, Liam McDonald, Jewel McDonald, and Maisy McDonald;

Siblings Pamela Inabnett of Charleston, SC, Elisa Whitmire of Piedmont, SC, and Warren Martin of Piedmont, SC; Nephews Jason Diamond, Jacob Whitmire, and Jeremy Martin; Nieces Leigh Stringer, Tracy Morgan, Cindi Sanders, and Suzan Weathersby, Suzie Wentz and Constance; and her co-mother-in-law Marcia Coursey.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Notre and E.H. Martin, Brothers Richard Martin and Michael Martin, and nephew Jonathan Diamond.

Viewing will be at Georgia Funeral Care at 4671 S Main St, Acworth, GA 30101 on Sunday, April 14, at 2 pm with a service at 3. The family will host a gathering afterward with tacos and other comfort foods immediately after the service.