MARTIN, Charlotte Stone

Charlotte Stone Martin, 79 of Narrows, passed away peacefully Friday, August 14th, 2015 at her home. She was born in Fayette County, West Virginia on March 20th, 1936, and was the daughter of the late Richard and Edith Carver Stone.  In addition to her mother and father, she was preceded in death by six brothers, Jessie, Edward, Frank, Bill, John and Virgil Stone; and a sister, Margaret Bowles. Charlotte put herself through cosmetology school in 1955 in Salem, VA and worked at and eventually owned a small beauty shop in Pearisburg, VA. She was a beautician there for almost 40 years until she had a major heart attack in 1998. Only something so debilitating could pull her away from the job and people she loved. Charlotte was a happy, vivacious, humble woman who was always smiling, always loving and always the first one to do what needed done. She was a member of New Valley Fellowship in Narrows. She loved her church and even though she was mostly blind, she read the entire bible twice. Charlotte never wavered in her faith or asked “why” as her health deteriorated. Left to cherish her memory are the love of her life and devoted husband of 56 years, Bill Martin; two daughters, Pamela Martin and partner Hillarie Collins of Pulaski, Stacy Martin Turner and Billy of Narrows; two wonderful grandchildren, Brody Dunford of Narrows and Charlotte-Kay Martin of Pulaski; special nieces, Brenda Wade and husband Dennis, Melanie Trombetta, and Teresa Robertson; special nephews Greg Martin and fiancée Penny Sarver, and Donald Bowles; special friends, Christine McClaughtery and Allie Riffe; and a wonderful extended family of nieces, nephews, and friends, including Angel Hale and the staff of DaVita Dialysis. Charlotte Martin was not a world leader, yet she led. She was not a police officer, yet she protected. She wasn’t a fireman, yet she saved. She wasn’t a minister, yet she witnessed. Despite a childhood of poverty and enormous loss … “She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs at the days to come. She opens her mouth in wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:25. Our Mother will always be our hero and we are truly blessed to be her daughters. Love, Pamela & Stacy. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 18th, 2015 at 2 PM in the Chapel of Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows with Rev. Kevin Weaver officiating.  Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at Riffe’s Funeral Service Tuesday from 12 noon until just prior to the service.  The family requests that those sending memorials, please consider final expense contributions to Riffe’s Funeral Service, Inc.; 600 Main Street; Narrows, Virginia 24124. The family is being served by Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows, (540) 726-2442, and online at riffefuneralservice.com.