Marvel Elaine Martin

Marvel Elaine Martin, age 83, of Ararat, VA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Northern Regional Hospital.  She was born February 25, 1940, in Surry County.  Both her parents, James W. Martin and Mamie Sue Boyd Martin, an infant brother, William Boyd Martin, and her long-time partner, Jack Moser, also preceded her in death.  A resident of Ararat, VA, Marvel had always called Mt. Airy her home although working for many years in other far-away places like New Mexico and California as a hospitality worker and medical records specialist.  She loved to travel and see new things, and she especially liked to sit by the water, watching it move while listening to the trees, hoping to catch a glimpse of a rare creature at Fairy Stone State Park, drive up the California coastline, or meander through the redwoods.  She spent the last year of her life residing with the daughter (Kelly) of her close friend, Lyla Marr (Ferguson) Godfrey, in Fredericksburg, VA until returning to Mt. Airy so she could be home.  Left to miss her infectious laughter and smile are the Ferguson family of NC, with whom she was closely associated throughout her life, Lyla’s other children, second cousins – the Masseys of Mt. Airy, and her friends at the local Olympia Restaurant.  A private graveside service will be held in the Spring when the Dogwoods are in bloom and the weather is warmer, for Marvel just hated to be cold.  In lieu of flowers, please consider volunteering your time to helping others in her honor.  Moody Funeral Services in Mt. Airy is serving the family.