Phyllis (Heatwole) Martin

Phyllis (Heatwole) Martin, 79, of Stuarts Draft, passed away on Thursday, June 21, 2018, after bravely and graciously fighting cancer. Phyllis went to be with Jesus at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 20, 1939 in Augusta County, the daughter of the late Alvin and Reba Heatwole of Waynesboro.

She was the wife of Garland Martin, married June 14, 1958, celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this year. Together they raised two sons on their farm in Stuarts Draft. Phyllis and her husband helped to plant Greenmonte Mennonite Church and were members there for over 60 years, where they faithfully served together.

Throughout her lifetime, Phyllis had many different roles within the community. She was a school bus driver, dental receptionist, retirement home and middle school cook and department store clerk. But most importantly, she dedicated her life to serving Jesus and those around her. In addition to teaching children’s Sunday school, she volunteered her time by serving on the Virginia Mennonite Board of Missions, and being a childrens’ caregiver for MOPS. In her spare time, she liked to quilt, sew and cook for her family and many friends. One of her favorite yearly traditions was baking over one hundred pies and donating them to the Mennonite Relief Sale where she also served as Chairman of the Food Committee. This was a true expression of her servant’s heart. Her most favorite pastime was spending time with those she loved. You could often find her cheering in the stands at a granddaughter's soccer game or hosting family dinners at her home. She loved being known as “Grandma Phyllis”, not only to her own granddaughters, but to the children at church as well. Because of the way she served and loved others so genuinely and personally, she made everyone feel like they were a part of her family.

Survivors include her husband, Garland Martin; two sons, Michael Martin of Stuarts Draft, Rodney Martin and his wife, Renee of Stuarts Draft; four granddaughters, Rachel Lester, Rebekah Dooley, Rayah Martin, and Rissa Martin, and three sisters, Janeth Duncan and husband, Phillip, Rosalie Moyer and husband, Ronnie and Alvina Roth and husband, Rich; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Springdale Mennonite Church, 170 Hall School Rd, Waynesboro, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 26, 2018.

Following a private family burial, a Celebration of Life Service will be held at Springdale Mennonite Church at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 with Pastor Seth Hankee officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Phyllis may be directed to the Virginia Mennonite Board of Missions at 601 Parkwood Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22802.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Stuarts Draft Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes.