Mary Christina (Green) Martin

Mary Christina Green Martin, 87, of Lafayette, was welcomed in Heaven on Thursday, August 22, 2024, by God, who exclaimed “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

 She was born June 15, 1937, to Thurmond Green and Pinkie Boggs Green in Esty (Falling Springs), West Virginia. She was one of the last of three generations of the Boggs family who were born and raised in the same log house, placed on the same mountain where the Boggs family resided for five generations (and the land is still in possession of the sixth generation). She graduated as Valedictorian from Renick High School in 1955 and remained an admirer of her classmates for the remainder of her life. She followed family to Indiana after graduation and then attended Emmaus Bible School in Oak Park, Illinois, from 1958-1961, learning an academic study of the Bible that she would continue and teach for most of her adult life. She lived in Huntington, West Virginia, 1961-1965, where she made life-long friends. She then moved back to Lafayette, Indiana, to be closer to her brother’s family. In 1966, her brother introduced her to his friend, and she married him just two months later. Her marriage to James Warnes Martin in December 1966, lasted for just short of 50 years until his death in 2016. They set up their home and family in the village of Pyrmont, Indiana, where they lived for 44 years before moving to Lafayette in 2013. 

 In Pyrmont, Mary was very active with the United Methodist Church for 36 years until it closed in 2005. She also volunteer-led numerous Bible studies, was a lay minister, and was active in regional United Methodist Women activities. She enjoyed being a 4-H leader and a Youth Group leader. Mary was a life-long lover of books and would prefer to be reading than just about anything. She loved Bible study, searching through old bookstores for some elusive book that a friend might want, going for a ride to anywhere, vacations with her children, shopping “just to see what’s out there”, going out to eat especially if she was allowed to treat everyone, listening to people talk about anything they like, and following her husband’s and children’s activities and interests. She loved all people and didn’t like conflict. She avoided “gossip” unless it was to hear about some friend’s good news or a funny story. She was always devoted to God and Jesus, but was interested in and respectful of other people’s religions and devotions. She embraced friends of different races, religions, sexual preferences, political stances, and beliefs long before it was in fashion. She enjoyed watching some sports- especially if Pete Rose was playing for the Cincinnati Reds or Reggie Miller for the Indiana Pacers. She was interested in politics and read nearly every political book written in the past 40 years. She was especially fond of President Jimmy Carter and was happy that he was still living at nearly 100. She was a devoted practitioner of a good nap and spent time every day of her adult life in the practice. 

 Mary had two children – Shawn Martin and Heather Martin. She was a devoted mother and best friend to both of them. Several friends “adopted” her as their own family, including Peggy Houston and family, Donna and Beka Christopher, Rachelle Jones, Marsha Lowery, and all of our Pyrmont United Methodist Church family. 

 Mary was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings (including in-laws), and one nephew. In addition to her children, Mary is survived by son-in-law Robert Hollingsworth; great-granddaughter Chloe; sister-in-law Elizabeth “Betsy” (husband Byron Brown); brother-in-law Walter Trafton; nephews Lynn, Mike, Doug, and Tim Green; nieces Michelle Christina, Mary Denise, Terry, Rebecca, Barbara Jill, Megan, and Emily, as well as their spouses and children. She is also loved and missed by numerous cousins and friends. 

 Mary did not want a funeral or for others to be sad. She overcame some serious medical problems in her adult life and always felt lucky to have the life she did. She wanted a Celebration of Life instead, and we want to embrace that. If you are able, please join us on Sunday, September 1, at Courtyard by Marriott, 150 Fairington Ave, Lafayette, Indiana. We will be in the Boilermaker Room, entrance through the hotel lobby. Visitation 2-3 pm with “service” of memories at 3:30 pm. If you are unable to be there in person, we invite you to attend by virtual livestream – link will be on Facebook under both children’s profiles. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to Pyrmont Cemetery Fund, c/o Glen Miller, 5611 S 800 W, Delphi, Indiana 46923 or to any person in need. Day & Genda Funeral Home~Bodine Chapel are assisting the family with arrangements. Messages to the family can be left at www.dayandgenda.com.