Barbara Ann Martin was born in Monticello, AR in Drew County where she resided her entire life until her death. She was the middle daughter of the late John Sykes Griffin and Josephine Sawyer Griffin also from Monticello. She was a graduate of Monticello High School and as a teenager loved to go to local dances with her family, where she perfected The Two Step, The Waltz, and The Jitterbug. It was at a dance in Dermott, AR where she would meet her husband of 56 years, Robert H. Martin, from Wilmar, AR. When he saw her Jitterbug and how pretty she was, he had to dance with her. When she saw his clear, blue eyes, she decided right then and there she was going to marry him. That first dance would lead to marriage on February 16, 1962 and a lifetime of love, happiness, and family. They would dance and travel all over the USA in the pipeline construction industry until their retirement in 2011. Barbara was a devoted housewife and was known as an excellent cook. She loved her husband, her life, her home, and her family. She was a Southern Baptist, saved by God's grace and baptized into the faith by the late Brother Joe Worbington. She would later become a charter member of Calvary Baptist Church, which was began in her home in The Enon Community on September 25, 1985 under the guidance of the late Reverend Charles E. "Buddy" Carter. That church would eventually grow and require a new building at its current location in Monticello on Highway 425. She was proud of that church, was a dedicated member, loved her church family, and served as a Sunday School Teacher. Her illness was the only thing that could keep her from attending church "whenever the doors were open". But once she regained her strength in remission, she made sure she was back at church on Sundays to hear God's Word preached by her Pastor, Brother Gary Carter. Not to be "defeated by The Devil" she was proud to say to everyone in her last days that she taught her Sunday School Class once again two weeks before her death.
The walking definition of being a Christian, Barbara Ann was a charitable, selfless, and a giving person. She had a heart that had enough love for everyone she met. She would do anything for anyone to help them, even those who were not related to her. But most of all, and more than anything on this earth, she loved her husband and her two sons. She devoted her whole life to loving and caring for them. She was the wife and mother that everyone dreams of having in their life. As a wife she was devoted, loyal, in love, and committed. In regards to being a mother she was unwavering, caring, nurturing, protective, encouraging, steadfast, and strong. Her family home at 1464 South 16th Section Road in the Enon Community was her pride and joy, and she had an "Open Door Policy" to all that stepped foot on her front porch. She wanted everyone who came to her home to feel welcome no matter who they were or where they came from. No matter what, she opened her home, her heart, and her arms to all. Outside the doors of her home in her community, town, home state of Arkansas, and across the nation in her travels as a pipeliner's wife, she touched many lives with her smile and cheerful disposition. She believed in "Doing unto others as you would have them do unto you" and "To love thy neighbor as thyself", practicing it faithfully in words and deeds. To try and count the number of good things she did, or the lives she touched in her 74 years, would be as impossible as counting the number of stars in the heavens. And to be honest, she would never want them to be counted in the first place. That is because all of the good things she did for people was to give "God all the glory" and to not take any credit for herself. Besides being a homemaker, she was a former Enon Community 4-H Leader, a cafeteria worker at Monticello Junior High School, a Monticello School District Bus Driver, a member of The Teamsters Pipeline Union, and Committee Member and longtime Chairman for The Annual Pipeliner's Reunion. Due to her devotion as a pipeliner's wife, and her work later in life on the pipeline as a Teamster, she was inducted into The Pipeliner's Hall of Fame in 2006.
To bring an Obituary to a close is as difficult as it is to let go of someone who was, and will forever more, be loved by her family and so many. How can one ever sum up the life of anyone in just a few paragraphs? It is very hard to do. But, I will try in one single sentence: "Barbara Ann Martin was, as far as her family is concerned, the greatest wife, mother, and grandmother who ever walked on this earth." And because of the way she conducted her life, her memory will live on through her remaining family and others by what she showed them in the example she set for them. She believed in "Never giving up and never giving in". And that is what she would want for all that mourn her passing. Barbara Ann would want everyone to remember her well, and to do it with a smile. She would want us all to live our lives to the fullest and cherish all the precious memories. Barbara Ann Martin lived her life that way and she fought for her life that way until the very end surrounded by her family. And while we are so saddened that she is no longer with us, we can find comfort in that she is in Heaven having the time of her eternal life. She is rejoicing, and she would expect us to rejoice for her. And knowing her the way we do, there is one thing for certain, that if The Good Lord allows dancing on The Streets of Gold, the angels are in for one heck of a Jitterbug the likes The Pearly Gates have never seen.
Barbara Ann Martin was preceded in death by her father and mother, John Sykes Griffin and Josephine Sawyer Griffin; her eldest sister, Sylvia Griffin Forrest; and two twin boys who did not survive birth in 1969. Survivors include her husband, Robert H. Martin of Monticello; two sons, Dr. Robert H. Martin., Jr., MD of Monticello and Roger Dale Martin and wife Carole also of Monticello; one sister, Linda Griffin Heath, of Deer Park, Texas; six grandchildren, Brittney Ann Martin-Norsworthy and husband Seth Norsworthy, Austin Sykes Martin, Madeline Grace Martin, Meredith Jewel Martin, John Michael Efird, Max Hyatt Efird, Lexie Alexie Nichols; loving nephew Michael Leon Griffith, Jr, and niece Melissa Jo Griffith; and many other nieces and nephews way too numerous to list here, but rest assured, loved just as much in her heart. She especially enjoyed her relationship with her sister in law, Margaret Tucker, of Star City. Also of mention is a daughter in law, Angila Benson Martin. She is also survived by others she considered her family: Mary Thompson of Monticello as her other sister, Herbert Bradley of Monticello as the brother she never had, and Teresa Griffin of Ozone as like her own daughter. She also loved, cared, and appreciated Diane Marie Hof.
Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM, Friday, June 22, 2018 at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Gary Carter and Rev. Michael Griffith, Jr. officiating. Active Pallbearers will be Jeff Harrison, Chad Russell, Eddie Montgomery, Jay Boyd, Eddie Kelly, Drew Merrell, J. R. Jackson and Billy Collins. Honorary Pallbearers will be Herbert Bradley, George Harris, Jeff Patton and Seth Norsworthy. Soloist will be Jeff Harrison from Tillar. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery in Rye. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 PM, Thursday, June 21, 2018 at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Memorials may be given in her name to Gideon's International, P.O. Box 35, Monticello, AR 71657 or The UAMS Multiple Myeloma Institute, 4301 W. Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(25)
Spongebob
GRAND RAPIDS, MN Sunday, July 8, 2018 A great lady and great family.Marijo Pruett Miles
Springfield, MO Wednesday, July 4, 2018 So very sorry for your loss. Barbara and I were in school together for many years and graduated from Monticello High School in 1961.lots of memories of those years plus we also had the priveledge of watching our children grow up and graduate from the same school Still more good memories . Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers . There is just really no way words can ease your pain and loss or convey my feelings for you loss. Sincerely ,MarijoO.B. & Avon Moss
Tumbling Shoals, AR Thursday, June 21, 2018 Robert H. Roger &RobertSending our Sympathy and Prayers, Barbara was a
special Lady and we will miss her. A beautiful Obituary.
Love and Prayers.
O.B. & Avon
James and Kathy Berry
Monticello, AR Thursday, June 21, 2018 Martin FamilyOur love and prayers are for each one . Our hearts are also broken over the loss of our long time friend.Barbara is walking on the streets of gold.
James and Kathy
Alvin/Irma James
Monticello, AR Wednesday, June 20, 2018 Our thoughts and prayers are with family. She will be missed by all.Kristy pamplin
Dumas, AR Wednesday, June 20, 2018 I am so sorry for your loss my prayers are with you all.Jack & Ilene Rash
Longview, TX Wednesday, June 20, 2018 Martin FamilyWe are sorry to learn of Barbara's passing. We have known her since she was a young teenager. There are not enough good words to telll about her. She will be missed by so many. Our prayers and Sympathy are with all of you.
John & Paige (Hill) Stell
Monticello, AR Wednesday, June 20, 2018 You are all in our thoughts and prayers during the days ahead.Love, John, Paige, Jayson, Colt, Brayden, Brad, Jake, & Jared
Hazel Potts
Monticello, AR Wednesday, June 20, 2018 Dear FamilyI was so sorry to hear of Barbara passing. She was a beautiful and caring Lady. Her obituary was so nice so many things of her life that was so perfect I know how she loved the Lord her family an everyone else.She will be missed by many who knew and loved her I am so sorry that due to health i cannot attend any services but know my prayers are with you Look to our precious Savior Jesus Christ for comfort
My prayers
Hazel and Family
Joe & Johnnie Garcia
Cleveland, OK Wednesday, June 20, 2018 We loved Barbara, was a very nice lady and she will be missed. Prayers for the family. My God Bless you.Janice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Wednesday, June 20, 2018 My prayers for you all in the loss of your beautiful wife and mother.I remember Barbara as loving you all so much . May God give you peace and comfort.
Harold & Pat Wells
Houston, TX Wednesday, June 20, 2018 Robert and Sons',Our Deepest Sympathy to you all.
Barbara was a Great Lady and A Dear Friend of ours.
We know she is in a better place now.
She will be Missed by a lot of People!
Friends', Harold Gene and Pat Wells.
Steve Stewart
Fort Worth, TX Wednesday, June 20, 2018 Prayers to the Martin family. Especially for my friend Robert Jr. You wrote a great obituary to honor a great lady.Trudy Carrington
Rowlett, TX Tuesday, June 19, 2018 I called her Aunt Barbara all my life, even though we are cousins. She was a beautiful soul and as her son so beautifully put, she gave of herself to all she met. Heaven has surely gained a great angel. My heartfelt prayers go out to her family and friends. We shall meet her again someday.May God Bless and give you all peace and comfort.
Love , Trudy Tucker Carrington and family
Janice Lewis
, AR Tuesday, June 19, 2018 my prayers and thoughts are with you all, thanks for being good friends to our familyJean Burr
Mabelvale, AR Tuesday, June 19, 2018 Sorry I couldn't attend the service due to my husband's passing & services in Illinois. My heart goes out to the family as well as my prayers. Love you all.Jean Kyzer
Monticello, AR Tuesday, June 19, 2018 a beautiful woman peace and blessings to all her family God be with all of youJohn Williams
Louisville, KY Tuesday, June 19, 2018 Our prayers for Robert and the entire family. So very sorry for your loss. Barbara will be missed by so many but we can take comfort that she has gone on to be with her Heavenly Father.Barbara and Al Beaty
Monticello, AR Tuesday, June 19, 2018 We love you all ! May God be with you and give you strength ! Our deepest sympathy to all of your family!Amber Travis
Bastrop, LA Tuesday, June 19, 2018 My prayers are with you all during this difficult time.Kay McClain Worbington
Monticello, AR Tuesday, June 19, 2018 My prayers and sympathy go out to Barbara's family who she loved so much. I was privileged to count her has my friend and to be taught by her in Sunday School. Barbara was a positive influence in the lives of so many! She was always willing to help when there was a need. She was a shining light for her Lord. She was never boastful about what she did for others and God; she had a true servant's heart. Barbara Martin had more friends across this country than anyone I know. I will miss you Barbara Ann!Terry Hunter
Warren, AR Tuesday, June 19, 2018 Brittany, Roger and Family, I am so sorry about the loss of your precious grandmother/mother. May God keep you lifted in his arms throughout the days and weeks to come.lelia davis
monticello, AR Tuesday, June 19, 2018 Linda and family, I am truly sorry about Barbara. She was an inspiration to everyone that knew her. You are in my thoughts and prayersMary Lasiter
Wilmar, AR Monday, June 18, 2018 Deepest sympathy to the family. I will never eat grape salad without thinking of Barbara.. She gave me her recipe for it and it was so good. RIP Barbara.Lonnie and Tina Meeker
Mountain View, AR Monday, June 18, 2018 So sorry to hear this Ms Barb was a very special lady who ever she meet they will always remember her she was kind and loving to everyone. Prayers for Robert Harold and all the family !!!