She was born on June 15, 1928 to the late Thomas Craig Fulbright and Ethel Vanhorn Fulbright in Catawba County. Irene was a longtime, devoted member of Corinth Baptist Church, where she served on several committees, including WMU and Vacation Bible School Director for several years, as well as taught Sunday School, and was an active member of the church choir.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Carl Martin; her son Eddy Martin; granddaughter, Kathy Martin; and four brothers, Gaither, Thomas, William, and Roy Fulbright.
Irene is survived by her son, Johnny Martin (Debra) of Vale; daughter-in-law, Debbie Martin of Vale; grandchildren, Melissa Martin, Jessica of Raleigh, Melinda Larr (Chris) of Youngsville, NC, Johnathan Martin (Laura) of Shawsville, VA; step granddaughter, Casey Blair of Vale; great grandchildren, Ariel Martin of Shawsville, VA, Ethan Larr of Youngsville, NC; sister, Bertie “Pat” Benfield of Thomasville, NC; sister-in-law, Mary Fulbright of Vale; brother-in-law, Gene Martin of Bethlehem, NC; and a number of nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 4, 2024 from 5:00 until 7:00 pm at Hickory Funeral Home.
The funeral service will be held on Monday, February 5, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Corinth Baptist Church. She will lie in state 30 minutes prior to the service at the church. Rev. Jim Kilby, Rev. William Kanupp, and Rev. Jim Hamby will officiate the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Corinth Baptist Church, General Fund, 7929 NC-10 Hwy, Vale, NC 28168 or Baptist Children’s Home of North Carolina, 204 Idol Street, Thomasville, NC 27360.
