Bettie McDonald Martin

Bettie McDonald Martin, 94, of Plantersville, died Thursday, June 15, 2023, at her home. She was born March 14, 1929, to the late John Whitley and Marie Josephine (Daniel) McDonald. Services will be Saturday, June 17, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at the Plantersville Christian Church with Rev. Mike Wyatt officiating and Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home directing. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the time of the service. Burial will follow at Plantersville Christian Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Robert Martin, and a daughter, Martha McDonald (Martin) Franklin. Survivors include two sons, William Robert (Karen) Martin, Jr., and Mac Whitley (Suzette) Martin, both of Plantersville; three daughters, Melissa Martin (Jim) Garrett of Plantersville, Melanie Martin (Chris) Ford of Opelika, and Elizabeth Martin (Stanley) Hewlett of Birmingham; one son-in-law, Stanley Coy Franklin of Plantersville; 13 grandchildren, W.R. (Erin) Martin, III, Adam (Erin) Martin, Jessica Garrett, Robert (Beth Ann) Garrett, Daniel (Jennifer) Franklin, John (Kaylie) Franklin, Mac W. (Andrea) Martin, Jr., Lauren Martin (Cody) Kiefer, Katie Ford, Michael Ford, Anna Beth Hewlett (Jimmy) Kaczmarek, Casden Hewlett, and Hamilton (ClaraLane) Hewlett; 11 great-grandchildren, Vada Hedge, Bettie Martin, Mack Franklin, Libby Franklin, Addie Martin, Stella Martin, Evie Kiefer, Jay Kiefer, Logan Kiefer, Walter Kaczmarek, and Ezekiel Kaczmarek. Active pallbearers will be her grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be Deacons of the Plantersville Christian Church.

Mrs. Martin graduated from Sheffield High School in 1947 and Alabama College in 1951 where she received her BS degree in Home Economics. Bettie (“Nana”) truly loved her family, her church, and her community. She and Mr. Martin married in 1951 and made their home in Plantersville beginning in 1955. She taught Sunday School at Plantersville Christian Church for 60 years and led Vacation Bible Schools, particularly appreciating joint Vacation Bible Schools with Plantersville Methodist Church and Plantersville Baptist Church. She also enjoyed her USPS position in the Plantersville Post Office. Over the years, her six children and several grandchildren attended and graduated JE Terry Elementary, Martin Middle School, and Dallas County High School where she supported numerous activities.  Her epitaph is a favorite scripture -- 3 John 4: I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. She will be remembered for her joyous laughter and spirit and her ever abiding love of Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial donations may be made to the Plantersville Christian Church, P.O. Box 144, Plantersville, AL, 36758.