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After 6-months of declining health and surrounded by loving family, Martha’s soul entered heaven on August 12, 2023. She was born on September 13, 1938, at the Asheville Baby Hospital in Biltmore Village to her parents, Helen Martha Jones Chiott and Joseph Travers Chiott, Sr. Growing up in Asheville she attended Claxton Elementary School, David Millard Junior High School and Lee Edwards High School (now Asheville High). A popular girl, she participated in many school activities, including a square dance team and cheerleading. After high school she attended Women’s College (UNC-Greensboro) for a year before marrying the father of her children, Augustus Reynolds Morris, Sr. They lived in Chapel Hill and Jamestown before returning to Asheville. In Asheville, Martha eventually struck out on her own, working at Highland Hospital starting as a secretary but eventually rising to become the personnel coordinator. On New Year’s Eve 1982 she met her second husband, Jim Borawa. After an hour-long phone call and a Sunday brunch date at the Manor Inn, she knew they were destined for each other. Soon after their marriage in 1984, she pursued her passion – gardening. She first completed the Master Gardener program and then became a Certified Plant Professional. She put those skills to use as an employee of B.B. Barnes Garden store and The North Carolina Arboretum. Upon retirement she continued to enjoy gardening at home, bird watching, scenic drives around western North Carolina, and surprise road trips planned by her husband. Martha was a private person; she always said she was sociable but not social – not one to enjoy big crowds or to be fussed over. Those who knew her well enjoyed her sweet personality. She loved family gatherings and especially being with her husband Jim. It was rare they were not holding hands when out and about. Martha was predeceased by her parents and grandson, Joseph Aaron Morris. She is survived by her children, Augustus (Gus) Reynolds Morris, Jr. (Vicki) and Lisa Anne Morris Bain, both of Asheville; a brother, Joseph Travers Chiott, Jr. (Charlotte) also of Asheville. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Augustus Reynolds (Seth) Morris III (Kelly) of Asheville, Schuyler Alexander Bain (Susan) of Greensboro, and Lindsey Harrison (Xavier) of Charlotte, as well as three great-grandsons, Abram, Landry and Olivier, and two great-granddaughters, Reynolds and Bennett. A private graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery, Asheville, NC. Morris Funeral & Cremation Care is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmstead Way, Asheville, NC 28806-9315; https://www.ncarboretum.org/.

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Mrs. Martha Travers Chiott Morris Borawa

September 13, 1938 - August 12, 2023