Mrs. Helen Laverne Carter Martin, 93, a resident of Wauchula Florida, passed away peacefully at home in her sleep Sunday, July 25, 2021, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Born on June 27, 1928, in Gainesville, Georgia, she first moved to Wauchula in 1960 and returned to Wauchula in 1970. She was married on August 14, 1943, to J. A. Martin Sr. who passed away in 2003.
Helen will be remembered as a woman filled with grace. Her faith in Christ, hope, love, and attitude sustained her through the trials and happiness in a wonderful, fulfilled life. She was a remarkable and incredible mother and wife, with a generous kind heart, sharp wit, and a true and loyal friend. As beautiful on the inside as the outside, she loved her gardens filled with exquisite roses, orchids, fruits, and vegetables. She was a member of the Mary Martha Class at First Baptist Church and of the Wauchula Garden Club. Helen was known for her skills in being a fabulous cook. Her jams, jellies, desserts, and many more delightful meals will be well remembered, along with her fresh biscuits every morning for her family. Her extraordinary talent and personal sense of style was in everything she touched. Those around her adored her charm and elegance.
Helen is survived by: Her sister Hazel Lingerfelt of Gainesville, GA. Her daughters: Mary Olivia Smith of Melbourne FL, Lida Shackelford and husband (Gary) of Parrish, FL, Tammy Martin Davidson and husband (Lee) of Weston, FL, and her son, J. A. Martin Jr, and wife (Ann) of Sebring FL.
Grandchildren: Joshua Smith and wife (Lisa) of Melbourne, FL, Amelia Smith Fazio and husband (Byran) of Covington Ga, Megan Shackelford Day and husband (Charles) of Cortez, Fl, Ansley Shackelford Turncliff and husband (Mathieu) of Birmingham, AL, J. A. Martin III of Frostproof, FL and wife (Sunnie), Sean Samuel Davidson of Denver CO, Parker Martin Davidson of Weston, FL.
Great Grand Children: Caroline Day, Sophie Day, Landen Smith, and Caleb Smith.
Preceding Helen in death is her husband J.A. Martin Sr, and her daughter Millicent Laverne Martin, her parents, Myrtle and Cohen Carter, her brothers, James, Howard, George, and William Carter, and her son in law Stephen R. Smith.
Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Wauchula Saturday, July 31, 2021, with visitation beginning at 10 AM, services at 11 AM, and graveside service at New Hope Baptist Church immediately following. Officiating the services will be Reverend Joe Butler and Reverend Travis Hudson.
The family would appreciate her friends joining them at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Wauchula for a lunch in Helen's honor immediately following the interment in the New Hope Cemetery.