Virginia Tate Martin

Born in Tullahoma, TN in 1922. Survived by children, Doug Martin (Susan) of Ashville, NC, Julia Bennett of Franklin, TN, and Debbie Clark (Randy) of Atoka, TN; grandchildren, Jimmy Bennett (Lauren) of Cashiers, NC, Kiersten Martin of Hayesville, NC, Martin Bennett (Laurel) of Franklin, TN, Chad Martin (Jana) of Ashville, NC, and Travis Clark (Jessie) of Drummonds, TN; great-grandchildren, Livia Bennett, Morgan Bennett, Summer Martin, Rae Bennett, Ellie Bennett, Zane Martin, Emma Clark; and brother, W. K. Tate, Jr. Predeceased in death by parents Harriett and Bill Tate and husband of 56 years, Charles A Martin, Jr. Virginia attended West End High School and Ward Belmont College. She worked for the phone company, South Central Bell, prior to her marriage. Loving children, she chose to devote her career years to raising her 3 children. She was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church, Founder and first President of Brook Meade Garden Club, Charter Member of Hillwood Country Club, a former member of the Tennessee Horticultural Society, Cheekwood Botanical Gardens, Ladies Hermitage Association and Nashville Cotillion Club. Upon moving to The Blakeford Retirement Community, Virginia kept the library in tip top order and volunteered at the front desk. She put together every scrapbook since opening day of Blakeford until she moved into the nursing home 14 years later, and served on many committees during her residency. She was a volunteer publicist featured on the news and in print for Blakeford. Several residents said Virginia’s hospitality during their tour was the reason they moved there. Virginia loved gardening, birds, saltwater fish, dancing, games, cards and puzzles. She was a gifted painter. Virginia Martin lived her last few years at Woodcrest Nursing Home. Wondering often why God still had her here on earth, many staff members shared that she was an inspiration to them. A private service was held for the family on, Saturday, January 24, 2015 at Woodlawn Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to: Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675, memorializing her husband and honoring those who serve the United States of America.