Martha Lou Caver Wormington

September 22, 1935 – October 21, 2026

Martha Lou Caver Wormington, affectionately known as Lou, passed away on October 21, 2026, at the age of 91. She was born on September 22, 1935, in Rondo, Arkansas, to Noel and Valentine Caver.

Lou was a fiercely independent woman who knew her own mind and wasn't afraid to speak it. Her straightforward observations often brought laughter to her grandchildren and their friends, usually without her realizing she'd said anything funny. She had a deep appreciation for nature and a strong commitment to protecting the environment. Lou and her husband, Palmer, built a passive solar home in Vivian, Louisiana, which she lovingly named "Sun Classic," reflecting her belief in living thoughtfully and in harmony with the natural world.

Lou's greatest passion was raising butterflies. Her yard was more than a garden; it was a sanctuary she carefully cultivated with plants that provided nectar for butterflies, places to lay their eggs, and food for their caterpillars. She delighted in watching butterflies visit her garden and would carefully collect their eggs to nurture them in aquariums in her garden room. There, she watched over them as they transformed from eggs to caterpillars, then chrysalises, and finally emerged as beautiful butterflies. She would release them into her garden and eagerly await their return to begin the cycle all over again.

Her love for butterflies ran so deep that Palmer built her a butterfly house just outside her bedroom doors. It was her own little sanctuary, a special place where she could nurture and protect her butterflies from the outside world. It was a beautiful expression of both Lou's devotion to these delicate creatures and Palmer's love for her.

Her enthusiasm was contagious, and she loved sharing her knowledge with anyone willing to listen. She provided butterfly eggs to teachers and taught students about the fascinating life cycle of butterflies, giving them the opportunity to witness the wonder of metamorphosis for themselves.

Lou will be remembered as "The Butterfly Lady," for her beautiful cursive handwriting, her independent spirit, and her ability to make those around her laugh simply by being herself.

Lou is survived by her sister, Frances May; her children, Mitch Wormington, Jackie Gould, and Nancy Adger; her daughter-in-law, Sherrell Wormington, wife of her late son Ricky; seven grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Palmer Wormington; her parents, Noel and Valentine Caver; three siblings; and her son, Ricky Wormington.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service.

Those wishing to honor Lou's memory are encouraged to make a donation to the North American Butterfly Association, Save Our Monarchs, the Bee & Butterfly Habitat Fund, or a charity of their choice.

The next time a butterfly visits your garden, think of Lou.