Ora Katherine Emerson Martin, age 99, died Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at her home, surrounded by family and friends. Born in Patrick County on March 27, 1917, she was a daughter of Henry Harrison Emerson and Sarah Lou Setliff Emerson. She was also preceded in death by her husband of over 70 years, Rufus Murray Martin; and a son, Garland Green Martin; brothers Jasper and Eugene Emerson; and a sister, Lille Pickerel. She loved life and being surrounded with family and friends. Until recently she was always ready “to go and do.” She was the oldest member of the Red Hat Racers which she enjoyed until health issues prevented her from attending. She was a skilled seamstress, retiring from Fieldcrest Mills with 25 years of service. She was a faithful member of Blackberry Baptist Church where she was involved in the WMU, Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. Surviving are her children, Bernard Martin of Richmond, Geneva Bibb of Georgia, Sheila Turner of Bassett, Darrell Martin of Richmond and Juanita Hunter of Charlotte, N.C.; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service was held Friday at Blackberry Baptist Church with Pastor Eric Kieselbach and Dr. Joey McNeill officiating. Entombment was in Roselawn Abbey in Martinsville. Heartfelt thanks go to caregivers over the past three years: Hallie Hamlett, Joan Bell, Betty Crowder, Bonnie Thompson, Candy Williamson, Anita Haden, and Corina Martinez. Special thanks go to Dr. Zimmer and Charlene for their compassion and care; Mountain Valley Hospice staff, Kim, Nancy, Amy, Lisa, Jody, Jeff and Joseph for their excellent support and presence in her last days. The family extends sincere appreciation to the staff at Therapy Direct for keeping her mobile as long as they did. Memorial donations may be made to Blackberry Baptist Church, c/o Brenda Bishop, 3241 Stones Dairy Rd., Bassett, VA 24055; or to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 19 Veterans Drive, Pilot Mountain, N.C. 27041. Arrangements were by Collins Funeral Home Chapel in Bassett.
