Velvalee Belle Speers Martin

Mrs. Velvalee Belle Speers Martin, 89, of Pinnacle, passed away Monday morning, March 15, 2010, at her home. Mrs. Martin was born March 5, 1921, in Kansas City, MO, daughter of the late Thomas McCall and Lottie Thorpe Speers. She was a professional model with Jean's Mannequin Guild in Kansas City. During World War II, Mrs. Martin was an air traffic controller when she met Lt. Col. Ernest Moore Martin of Albemarle, who served in the Pacific as a pilot with the 380th Bombardment group. They married in October of 1945. Perhaps her greatest legacy, Mrs. Martin founded the Smokey Mountain Christian Women's Club Ridgecrest Retreat in 1973 and led it for 25 years before turning it over to a committee. She was a chairman and faithful member of the Roanoke Christian Woman's Club, a member of the Asheville, NC, Christian Women's Club, and First Baptist Church in Roanoke, VA. Mrs. Martin was also a past president of the Philadelphia Chapter of Christians Women's Club during the time she lived in Paoli, PA. Surviving are her son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Nina Martin of Coppell, TX; two daughters and sons-in-law, Elaine and Redding White of Arlington, TX, and Vicki and Jere Cunningham of Pinnacle; five grandchildren, Matthew Herron, Melissa Herron-Goldman, Joshua Ives, Rebekah Klyukin, and Sarah Martin; and four great-grandchildren, Martin Herron, Maggie Herron, Alexander Ives, and Elle Ives. She is also survived by her aunt, Virginia Pickett of Brady, TX. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Martin was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Moore Martin; and a grandson, Seth Martin. The funeral service will be held Thursday, March 18, 2010, at 1:00 PM at Shoals United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive visitors after the graveside service at Mrs. Martin's cottage, 4282 Shoals Road in Pinnacle, across the street from the church. The family is so thankful to her special friends and caregivers: Jennia Turney, who was always faithful; Doris Gilbert, who became Mom's new friend and made her laugh; Shannon Parker, who guarded her nights; Yonna Reed, who brought Mom eggs from her own chickens; Vivian Patterson, who prayed with her. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the Martin family.