Mary Frances Martin

Miss Mary Frances Martin, 90, of Statesville, passed away on November 5, 2024, at Autumn Care. Born in the Central Community of Iredell County on October 5, 1934, she was the only child of the late Henry Martin and Elsie Jurney Martin.

Miss Martin graduated from Central High School, class of 1952, and Appalachian State Teachers College, with a B.S. degree in primary education and a Masters degree in elementary education. She began teaching second grade at Welcome School in Davidson County. After 8 years, she returned to her home community, where she completed her 30 year teaching career at Central School, teaching 2nd, 4th, and 5th grades. Following her retirement, she helped take care of elderly family members.

She was a member of Pisgah Methodist Church, the Ladies Sunday School Class, and the Iredell-Statesville Unit of Retired School Personnel. She enjoyed history and working the puzzles in the local daily newspaper.

Survivors include two first cousins and their families, Ann Sweezy Hager and husband, Dean of Alexis, NC and George D. Robertson and wife, Eleanor of Culpeper, VA.

Also, special neighbors, Bonnie and Kenny Shoemaker, their children and grandchildren, who seemed like family to her, as well as other good neighbors, special friends, her church family, and caregivers; Karen Stevenson, Jeanette Stevenson, Oletha Goodin, Kathy Shoemaker, and Ann Wooten.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 9, at Pisgah Methodist Church, with Pastor Matt Harrold and Rev. Terry Moore officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Bryan Shoemaker, Corbey Blankenship, Todd Lederer, Archie Guy, Jerry Hill, and Ronnie Wooten. Honorary pallbearers will be Wayne Robertson, Larry Marlin, and Jim Dobson.

Former students, in attendance, are invited to sit in an honorary group.

Memorials may be made to Pisgah Methodist Church, Building Fund, 488 Hill Farm Road, Hiddenite, NC 28636.