Nora Mae D. Martin transitioned from this earthly life to eternal life on Monday, March 21, 2022, at her residence. Born March 28, 1918, in Virginia, she was the daughter of Willie Deering and Lettie Ruth Carter Deering who preceded her in death.
In addition to her parents, Nora was preceded in death by her husband, James A. Martin, Sr.; one son, Richard Martin; one sister, Myrtle Deering-Davis; and five brothers, Everette Deering, Roman Deering, Rufus Deering, Waverly Deering and William Deering.
Nora was a member of New Design Missionary Baptist Church, where she was the mother of the Church, and a member of the Usher Board. She retired from Bassett Walker Knitting Company after many years of service.
Nora kept all of her grandchildren well after retirement. She loved children, especially babies. She loved to cook for her family. (Beef gravy and biscuits, chicken and dumplings, fried chicken, salad, fried cream style corn and country ham were some of her favorites.) If anyone stopped by, they were always offered a plate, multiple times until it was accepted and eaten. She loved to farm, plant, make artificial flowers, and sew. She made all her children's clothing and lots of quilts.
Those left to cherish her memory include: three daughters, Bernice (Billy) Hughes of Burlington, NC, Iniease (Joe) Dillard, and Merita (William) Smith both of Axton, VA; one son, James A. (Patricia) Martin, Jr. of Martinsville, VA; nine grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; she is loved by a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at New Design Missionary Baptist Church, from 11:30 a.m. till 12 noon. Funeral services will follow at 12 noon at New Design Missionary Baptist Church, 3864 Medical Center Rd., Axton, VA, with Reverend Tony Dillard, Presiding, and Reverend Dwight Mack, Eulogist. Burial will follow at the Martin Family Cemetery, Retreat Drive, Axton, VA. Viewing will be held on Friday, March 25, 2022, at Hairston Funeral Home between the hours of 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. In accordance with the CDC, a face covering, and social distancing is required. All other times, the family will be receiving friends at the home, 345 Retreat Drive, Axton, VA. The family ask that when visiting the home that you observe all CDC guidelines.
To view live streaming of the funeral services, go to Hairston Funeral Home Live on Facebook, then click on the service.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hairston Funeral Home.
Mother Nora Mae Matin (slideshow)
Peace to the family in the knowledge of a life well lived. You were blessed to share her. Willie and Marie Hairston.
R.I.P Mrs.Nora Mae
On behalf of Pastor and Lady Reynolds and the Mount Lebanon Baptist Church we extend our deepest sympathy to Deaconess Merita Smith and the Martin Family in the loss of your dear Mother. We lift you all in prayer. What a blessing to have your sweet Mother for 104 years. Sweet memories will comfort your heart. We love y'all.
Grandma Nora Mae, from my beginning until your end, you were by my side. You lived a great, long life at 103 years young. You gave me reason to continue the fight, saying a better day comes after the night. I remember visiting you after graduating college when you said, "Boy, you really are a smart, gifted young man. You could one day become a Congressman or President of the United States of America one day if you continue to stay smart and stay out of trouble." I will never forget that conversation with you. You saw a potential in me that I can become anything I want to be in life. I am forever grateful for your love and I know you're looking down from above. I love you Grandma Nora Mae and I'll be seeing you again one day when I get my ticket to the gates of heaven.
DeVante' Smith
My prayers and thoughts to Merita, William and the Martin Family. Thank God for such a long and beautiful life your mom had.
Katie Hall
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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