On March 15, 1941, in Bardwell, Kentucky, the late J.D. Martin and Virginia Loving Martin gave birth to a lovely baby girl they named Mattie Bell Martin. Last Saturday, July 11, 2009, at 3:36 p.m., at the Countryside Health Center in Bardwell, God called Mattie from this earthly life to His Heavenly Home for eternal rest. At the time of her demise she was 68 years, 03 months, and 26 days of age. Mattie was also preceded in death by her infant daughter; five sisters Nancy Jenkins, Vertie B. Woods, Margaret Duncan, Shirley Hall, and Carolyn Bollen; and five brothers
Richard Martin, Eddie Martin, Herschel Martin, Ben Martin and Arthur Martin.

Accepting Christ as her personal Savior at an early age, Mattie, a lifelong member, joined St. John Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverend A.B. Campbell. Mattie was a former member of the church choir, a member of the Missionary Society, Sunday School, and the Culinary Arts Committee. She was also deeply associated with the Carlisle County Homemakers and Quilters and the Carlisle County Senior Citizens.

Mattie gave birth to what would be the pride of her life, a bouncing bay boy, Marvin Walters Martin, on November 2, 1970. She showered him with love and devotion until her death.

Mattie attended the Bardwell Colored School as a young child and went on to graduate from Lincoln Ridge Institute. While attending Lincoln, she was once a member of the Homecoming Court. Mattie was quite fond of gardening, especially her tomatoes, cooking, quilting, playing bingo, caring for her pets, her favorite being "Spottie", and attending auctions. She just celebrated being a 15 year cancer survivor at the Carlisle County Relay for Life.

Mattie was lovingly called "Aunt Mat" by her nieces and nephews. She was known for her warm smile which made everyone feel comfortable around her. Her hospitality would give one a calming spirit as a visitor to her home.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories:

A Son – Marvin Walters (Jennetta) Martin; Houston, TX

A Granddaughter – Ada Utley; Houston, TX

A Grandson – Dez Davis; Houston, TX

2 Brothers – Theodore (Carolyn) Martin; Kevil, KY
Carroll Martin; Toledo, OH

A Sister – Mary Lynn Faint; Clinton, KY

An Aunt – Mertha Parker; St. Louis, MO

A Brother-In-Law – Thomas Duncan; Louisville, KY

A Sister-In-Law – Mary Sue Martin; Covington, TN

A Host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Friends