Martha Pate Whiting Rush

Martha Pate Whiting Rush, 79, of Albany, Georgia passed away Thursday, September 28, 2023 at her home in Tallahassee, Florida. A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the First Methodist Church of Albany, Georgia. The family invites friends and family to join them for a light meal immediately following the service at the First Methodist Church of Albany.

Martha was born in Albany, Georgia to Julian Deming Whiting, Sr. and Adelyn Pate Whiting. The youngest of two children, she graduated from Albany High School. Martha worked as a bank teller in Albany before moving to Tallahassee, Florida in 1989, where she met her longtime boss and friend, philanthropist Grace Dansby. Martha had a strong work ethic and oversaw Mrs. Dansby’s business affairs for 36 years. 

Martha met her late husband, John C. Rush, on a trip to Mexico Beach, and they were happily married for over 25 years. They both enjoyed football and, although neither was native to Tallahassee, were season ticket holders to the Florida State Seminoles and adopted them as their hometown team. 

Martha had many interests and hobbies throughout her life, and history was a life-long passion of hers. Starting in highschool, she served as Treasurer for Albany High’s Historians Club. Later in life, she undertook and completed extensive genealogy research for the Pate, Harvey, Butt, and Whiting families. She also loved traveling, reading, and collecting Coca Cola memorabilia. She had a special place in her heart for dogs and was a large supporter of animal rescue organizations, particularly greyhound rescue. 

Martha is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Cates and her son in law, Cris Cates of Albany, Georgia, and granddaughters, Jessica Cates Miller of Brooklyn, New York and Charlotte Cates Castro of Houston, Texas. Martha was cremated and her ashes were returned to Albany and buried in the Pate family plot at Oakview Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Martha’s honor to Greyhound Pets of America.