Mary Christina Green Martin, 87, of Lafayette, was welcomed in Heaven on Thursday, August 22, 2024, by God who exclaimed “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
She was born June 15, 1937, to Thurmond Green and Pinkie Boggs Green in Esty (Falling Springs), West Virginia. She was one of the last of three generations of the Boggs family who were born and raised in the same log house, placed on the same mountain where the Boggs family resided for five generations. She graduated as Valedictorian from Renick High School in 1955 and was an admirer of her classmates for the remainder of her life. She followed family to Indiana after graduation and then attended Emmaus Bible School in Oak Park, Illinois from 1958-1961, learning an academic study of the Bible that she would continue and teach for most of her adult life. She lived in Huntington, WV 1961-1965, then moved back to Indiana. Her marriage to James Warnes Martin in December, 1966, lasted for just short of 50 years until his death in 2016. They set up their home in the village of Pyrmont, IN, where they lived for 44 years before moving to Lafayette in 2013.
In Pyrmont, Mary was very active with the United Methodist Church, volunteer-led numerous Bible studies, was a lay minister, and was active in regional United Methodist Women activities. She enjoyed being a 4-H leader and a Youth Group leader. Mary was a life-long lover of books and would prefer to be reading than just about anything. She loved Bible study, searching through old book stores for some elusive book that a friend might want, going for a ride to anywhere, vacations with her children, shopping “just to see what’s out there,” going out to eat especially if she is allowed to treat everyone, listening to people talk about anything they like, and following her husband’s and children’s activities and interests. She loved all people and didn’t like conflict. She avoided “gossip” unless it was to hear about some friend’s good news or a funny story. She was always devoted to God and Jesus but was interested in and respectful of other people’s religions and devotions. She embraced friends of different races, religions, sexual preferences, political stances, and beliefs long before it was in fashion. She enjoyed watching some sports – especially if Pete Rose was playing for the Cincinnati Reds or Reggie Miller for the Indiana Pacers. She became very interested in the genealogy of her family and enjoyed many trips back to West Virginia to gather information. She was interested in politics and read nearly every political book written in the past 40 years. She was a devoted practitioner of a good nap and spent time every day of her adult life in the practice.
Mary had two children, Shawn Martin and Heather Martin. She was an adored mother and best friend to both of them. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings (including in-laws), and one nephew. She is missed by many friends and extended family members.
A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held in Lafayette, IN, on Sunday, Sept. 1 at 3:30 p.m. If you are unable to be there in person, we invite you to attend by virtual livestream – link will be on Facebook under both children’s profiles. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to McMillion Church Cemetery Fund, 261 McMillion Church Road, Friars Hill, WV 24938 or to any person in need.
