Wanda Ruth Martin

Beloved Wife/Mother/Grandmother

On the morning of Saturday, October 3, 2026, God plucked a precious flower, Wanda Ruth Martin.

Wanda Ruth Martin was born to the late Willie Surratt Sr and Ollie Lee Freeman Smith on February 7, 1949, in Scott, AR and raised in North Little Rock, AR where she graduated from Jones High School. She later received her associate degree in computer science from Pulaski Technical College.

Wanda worked at Maybelline for thirty-six years where she held positions as: Line Operator, Service Worker, Fork Lift Driver, and a Chemist Assistant. She made many lifelong friends. Wanda was also a small business owner/bookkeeper of Naylor Auto Electric alongside her Husband, Artis T. Martin.

Wanda accepted Christ at an early age at the Damascus Spiritual Church in North Little Rock, AR under the guidance of Bishop A. Harris. Where she worshipped and served for forty years in various positions including the usher board where she served as president.

Wanda loved cooking, shopping, and fashion. But we all know she loved her beloved dog, Nadia who was a very close companion in her later years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Surratt Sr, and Ollie Lee Freeman Smith; Husband, Artis T. Martin Sr; siblings, Josephine Meredith, three brothers, Freddie D. Freeman, Lee Freeman and Rufus Freeman.

She leaves to cherish her memories her daughter, Shuwanna Freeman-Scott (Nathaniel Scott III), four sisters, Wanda Jean Howell (twin), Ira Green, Helen Gee and Jamie (Jack) Canady. Two brothers, Kenneth (Diane) Freeman, Bufus Freeman, and a special cousin who was like a brother Herman (Kim) Charles. Three grandchildren, Nathaniel Scott IV, Justin Linn Scott, and Alexandria Lefaye Scott. And a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Acknowledgements

Perhaps you dropped by, called or texted to say hello or you might have sent flowers or cards to show that you cared. You may have been miles away but remembered her in your prayers or extended some comforting kindness to us upon Wanda’s passing. For whatever you did our sincere “THANKS”, to you will be everlasting. May God continue to bless each of you, and your family.

Visitation will be held at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home, 5800 W 12TH ST, LITTLE ROCK, AR 72204, US, on October 16, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Damascus Spiritual Church, 2401 E Washington Ave, North Little Rock, AR 72114, US, on October 17, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Graveside Service will follow at ElmLawn Cemetery, 5810 W 12th St, Little Rock, AR 72204, US, on October 17, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm.