Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

May 25, 2016

Martha Rankin Schweppe died unexpectedly from a brain tumor at Carolinas Healthcare System Main on May 25, 2016. She was 59 years old. She is survived by her husband Bill, daughter Sarah and son Mac.

She was born Martha Moore Rankin on September 11, 1956 in Concord, NC. She was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Richard B. Rankin, Jr. and Bertha Moore Rankin of Concord. In addition to Bill, Sarah, and Mac, she is survived by her brother, Dr. R. Brandon Rankin, III, of Lodi, CA, his wife Barbara, as well as nieces and nephews.

Martha grew up in Concord and graduated from Concord Senior High School. She attended Duke University, where she met Bill and graduated in 1977. She was a proud Duke alum and Duke basketball fan.

After their marriage in 1978, Martha and Bill moved to Detroit, MI, where she began her financial planning career with Bache Halsey Stuart Shields. The company merged and changed names several times, but she remained with the parent company for 37 years. She rose to the top ranks of what is now Wells Fargo Advisors. She formed The Schweppe Group with Bill, and was later joined by daughter Sarah. She was recognized in 2014 with the firm's highest honor, the Spirit Award, for her outstanding lifetime achievements.

Martha excelled in her career, but her greatest joy was her family. She was the perfect mom and was so proud of the people Sarah and Mac grew to be. Her husband Bill was her best friend, and they were devoted and in love for nearly 40 years. Martha was happiest when they were all together in Blowing Rock.

Martha loved hiking all over the world with Bill, and their adventures took them from Alaska to Ireland and countless places in between. She also enjoyed yoga, walking with friends, and gardening in both Blowing Rock and Charlotte.

Martha was an active member of Women Executives of Charlotte, the WINGS scholarship program, First Presbyterian Church, and was a member of the board of directors and chair of the finance committee of WFAE. Martha was an avid reader and loved her book club, "The Bookies."

Martha was a compassionate and thoughtful person, a loyal friend, and she made a difference in the lives of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her family, and they will strive to continue her good work in the world.

A service to celebrate Martha's life will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte on May 31, 2016 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to First Presbyterian Church at 200 West Trade Street, Charlotte, NC, 28202. The family will receive guests after the service in the Fellowship Hall.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Services, 1321 Berkeley Ave Charlotte NC 28204. Phone: 704 641-7606