Mary Frances Martin

“Frankie” was born in Greenville, SC to Calvin Milton and Mary Ellen Ashmore Moore on July 24, 1926. She was a proud graduate of Duke University where she earned her nursing degree. Throughout her life, she cared for so many, both through her work in hospitals, a private boys school and doctor’s offices, as well as many family members at home. Serving as a camp nurse in the summer of 1948, she met the handsome young Navy veteran, Edmund (“Eddie”) B. Martin. They were married and lived a long and adventurous life together for 63 years.

She was the mother of Steve Martin (Barbara Davis), Carol Martin Fanshaw (George), Terry Martin Maloney (Jim), Rick Martin (Becky Archer) and Beth Martin Bentley (Victor). She will be missed enormously by her eleven grandchildren, Courtney Martin, Brian Fanshaw, Adam Martin, Kelley Nelson, Chase Martin, Jamie Maloney, Jessica Martin, Casey Maloney, Steve Fanshaw, Jack Grandel and Katie Grandel, their spouses and loved ones. Her memory will live on through her ten (plus still to be welcomed) great grandchildren, Sam Martin, Madeleine Nelson, Henri Martin, Lukas Nelson, Adaline Grandel, Adrienne Fanshaw, Lexie Grandel, Benjamin Fanshaw, Finnley Maloney and Oliver Fanshaw; as well as her brother and sister-in-law, David and Jana Moore, plus nieces, nephews and cousins across the country.

Frankie relied heavily on her faith and greatly admired Billy Graham and his teachings. Meals at her home were not only delicious but always beautifully presented. She loved to host family and friends, dance, garden, quilt, and as she aged, color thousands of beautiful pictures.

Frankie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant son, Keith, and sister, as well as much of her extended family, who welcomed her into Heaven to live on in eternal love.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 27, followed by interment at the Sarasota National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m.