Emma Howard Martin's Obituary
Emma H. Martin lived a full life of 85 years, touching lives and stealing hearts wherever she went. Emma was born in Southold, Long Island, to Cleveland and Frances Howard. She had seven brothers and sisters, all living a disciplined life. She met and married her greatest love, Matthew G. Martin, of Roanoke Rapids, NC. They had three children, Matthew Jr., Howard, and Sharon in Brooklyn, NY. Her husband predeceased her in 1974, and she courageously continued to raise her children as a single parent. Emma Martin retired from the Federal Aviation Administration in 1984, after 31 years of service. She moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia in 1989, where she made her home until her passing.
Emma had a magnetic personality, never meeting a stranger. Her greatest passion was for her children, but she also had a passion for cooking and baking. Sharing this gift with everyone, Emma was known to bake for neighbors, bank employees, and even her accountant. She passed this legacy on to her grandchildren in the way of cooking lessons. They have become avid cooks and are writing a cookbook in her honor.
Emma passed peacefully from this life the morning of August 3rd, after a sudden decline in health. She was surrounded and supported by her loving family and caregivers during the last days of her life. Ms. Martin is survived by three children, Matthew Martin, Howard Martin, and Sharon Drake, daughter-in-law Deborah Martin, loving friend Denise Myers, and three grandchildren, Ashley, Matthew, and Kandyce Martin. She leaves four loving sisters, Lillie Mae Johnson, Hazel Hobson, Frances DeJesus, and Margaret Jones, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She will be greatly missed by everyone.
What’s your fondest memory of Emma?
What’s a lesson you learned from Emma?
Share a story where Emma's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Emma you’ll never forget.
How did Emma make you smile?