Nellie Martin

Nellie Ruth Davidson Martin 85, died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013, with all four of her sons beside her, following a period of declining health. Born in Johnson City, Tenn., March, 9, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Thomas W. and Ida Wray Davidson. In addition to her parents, Nellie was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Robert Martin Sr.; sister, Anna Belle Davidson Smith; and stepson, Paul Robert Martin Jr. Nellie later moved with her parents and sister to Newton, graduating from NCHS in 1946. There didn't seem to be anyone she didn't know in the community. Nellie embraced life, her family, faith and community with open arms, spending her life dedicated to the City of Newton serving as customer service representative for over 20 years and as an Alderwoman for a term. An active member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Newton, she served as a Sunday school teacher, member of the choir, and many years of involvement with the Lutheran Women's Missionary League. She also chaired the Newton Fire Auxiliary in its early years, was a founding board member of The Green Room Inc., and volunteered more than 6000 hours in service with the Catawba Valley Medical Center Auxiliary. Nellie is survived by her stepson, Kenneth Wayne Martin; sons, Thom Hutchens and partner, Kent Kerley, John Martin, Jim Martin and wife, Jane, and Tim Martin and wife, Leah. Nellie loved being around her grandchildren, Bradley Martin, Laura Martin, Kris Hutchens, Lenora Andersen, Leslie Thorpe, Lindsay McKay, and Margaret Martin. She is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends and family at Holy Cross Lutheran Church Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 1:30 p.m., with memorial service following at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials honoring Nellie's service to the Newton community be made to Catawba Valley Medical Center Auxiliary, Slemp Scholarship Fund, 810 Fairgrove Church Road, SE, Hickory, NC, 28602. The family offers sincere thanks to the staff at Conover Nursing and Rehabilitation and Catawba Valley Hospice for their loving care of both Nellie and the family. Please sign the online guestbook at www.JenkinsFuneralHome.net. The Martin family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home in Newton-#828-464-1555.