Martha Tiller

Martha Smith Armstrong Tiller, an educator, psychologist, born March 3, 1935, to the Rev. John Harold and Myrtice Rhodes Smith, died. She is survived by her children, Dr. Lance Armstrong (Dena) and Dr. Carol Armstrong Okuda (Jim Okuda), two grandchildren, Michaela Okuda (Andrew Dufour) and Jonathan Okuda, and a multitude of friends.

She taught at four universities and in the Brevard County Florida school system, where she developed programs for Safe and Drug Free Schools and Gifted Adolescents. Listed in Who’s Who in American Education, she was twice appointed to a Presidential Commission to make educational recommendations. Through her gifted student programs, she encouraged and proctored thousands of students in their areas of interest. Her SEARCH courses mentored group learning, fostering life-long friendships with her and each other. She did post graduate study in Switzerland, engaging with and learning from students of Carl Jung. She has more than a hundred publications.

Given many talents, she was harpist for two symphonies, was a choir director in an Episcopal Church and studied mime one summer with French mime artist, Marcel Marceau. She could hear parts of a song and play it with embellishment at the piano. Most who knew her would say her greatest talent was the ability to connect deeply, meaningfully and genuinely with others, allowing them to feel important, heard and understood.

While many were held deep in her heart, Bonus Family Members include: Marilyn Waters, John North, Cissy Fox, Charlene Frazier, Becky Hartzog, Michele Wilson, Dan and Diane Scheuerer, Artie Olaisen, and the members of the Ethical Exploration Book Club.

A memorial service to honor Martha's life will be held on Saturday, December 7 at 2 pm at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home in Huntersville, NC.  A visitation will follow the service.

To remember her, please plant a tree.