Martha Schnabel

Jan. 26, 1945 - Jan. 26, 2016 Martha Ann Taylor Schnabel, 71, of Statesville, passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2016. Martha was born on January 26, 1945 in Ashe County to the late Samuel and Myrtle Mae Turnmire Taylor. She was married to Kenneth Schnabel and was a homemaker most of her life. Following her husband’s death, she moved to Lenoir where she resided until her health declined. She moved to Statesville to be with her sister and caregiver, Shirley, for the rest of her days. She was a loving person and loved the simpler things in life. Until her death, she very much enjoyed preaching and gospel singing, especially listening to her favorite radio station JOY FM 88.1. Even though she passed away on her birthday, she still celebrated in Heaven with other members of her family. Martha is survived by her sons, Ricky and Ronnie Miller; daughter, Everita Watson; brothers, Thomas Ray (Marie) Taylor of Glen St. Mary’s, Florida, Jerry (Lisa) Taylor of Patterson, N.C., and Larry (Linda) Taylor of Glendale Springs, N.C.; sisters, Donnie (Horance) Fullington of Claremont, N.C., Loretta (Carl) Smith of Hudson, N.C., Rosa (Billy Dean) Miller of North Wilkesboro, N.C., Patricia (Tim) Miller of Tennessee, Shirley (Harry) Plott of Statesville, N.C., Pam(Rocky) Fowler of Lenoir, N.C.; and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Randy Miller; brother, Raymond Harold Little, Jr.; and sister, Linda Philyaw. A memorial service for Martha is planned for Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Troutman Funeral Home with the Rev. Gene Gouge officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date.