Patricia Martin

Patricia Gwendolyn Stallings Martin, 102, passed peacefully on February 11, 2022 at her home in Williston, FL. Patricia was born December 17, 1919. She was the 11th child of 13 from parents Emma Sue and Hubert Stallings. She graduated from DeLand High School and attended Stetson University to receive her teaching certificate. Later she attended University of Florida during summers to complete her degrees in Education. She married her high school sweetheart, Hamilton Beecher Martin, in 1940. They began school teaching careers in Lorida, Florida. Within 3 years their son, Beecher (1943), was born and Hamilton was called into the Army to serve in WWII. Patricia taught in Orange City until he returned from Japan then they moved to Lakeland to continue their teaching careers. Mrs. Martin taught at Dixieland Elementary then Carlton Palmore Elementary where she retired after 45 years of teaching. Patricia loved all her children in the classroom and after retirement she continued to care for children of Pat Gathwright, Louise Koren, Susan Miller and Ann Tucker. At the home place in Lakeland, the citrus groves provided financing for the house. To supplement the teaching income, the family raised cage layers and sold eggs, which accounts for her love of chickens. Two daughters were born and raised in Lakeland, Clara Jane (1955) and Mae Patricia (1961). All three children graduated from Lakeland High School. Her Christian faith was of utmost importance. She spent her life living as a Christian and took great pleasure in sharing and helping others. She and her husband were active members of First Baptist Church in Lakeland and later in Williston. Patricia and Hamilton celebrated their 50th anniversary in Williston, and willingly relocated to this smaller, more rural town. Alpha Delta Kappa sorority was an important aspect of her life. ADK, an International Honorary Organization for Women Educators, provided fellowship and travel. She and a group of teachers in Lakeland formed Beta Lambda Chapter where she served as the first President and was honored as they celebrated their 50th anniversary. She was a member and officer of Fidelis Rho Chapter of Polk County and remained an honorary member. Pat also served on the state executive board as an officer for many years. She is buried with her presidents pin as well as her 50 year Golden Sister pin. She is survived by her children Hamilton Beecher Martin, Jr., Jane Martin Keefe (Donald), and Mae Martin Whitehurst (Emmett). Grandchildren John Branch, Kyle Finn, Kelly Finn, Megan Whitehurst and Malerie Whitehurst. Great grandchildren Amelia, Vivian, Deanna, and Elle. She is also survived by her Kitty Kitty and Mrs Pats caregiver, Carylon Allen. She was preceded in death by her husband Hamilton (1994), grandson Jonathan Corey Martin, and her family. She saw many things in her 102 years, and was blessed to have so many friends. She grew up during the depression and survived Covid. She was healthy and happy and was ready to hold the hand of Jesus and enter into everlasting peace. She will be placed beside her husband in Fort McCoy Cemetery. Knauff Funeral Home of Williston is honored to serve the Martin family during their time of transition.