On Sunday, November 21, 2021, our beloved Clara Cornelias Martin transitioned from earth to Glory. Clara was born on December 8, 1939, to the late John Lewis Martin Sr. and the late Parlina M. Martin. In addition to her parents, Clara was preceded in death by 3 brothers, John (Sonny) Martin Jr., James (Tate) Martin and Sterling Payne Martin, 9 sisters Nannie M. Penn, Elizabeth M. Ramey, Martha M. Carter, Mary M. Price, Elsie L. Martin, Katherine M. Hairston, Louise M. Martin, Caroline H. Carter, Polly M. Mitchell, and 1 grandson Christopher L. Martin.
Clara was a very hard worker. She retired from Patrick Henry Community College, but after being around the college for so many years she decided to further her education and received her Certified Nursing Assistant License and went on to work at Blue Ridge Nursing Home during her retirement. Clara had many obstacles in life but one of the most memorable ones was in 1970 she secretly purchased a bus ticket to Charlottesville, VA and had a double mastectomy due to Breast Cancer without telling a soul not even her family. With the help of the lord, Clara remained cancer free the rest of her life. The females in the Martin family had always considered Clara as “Our Champion Survivor” in that aspect.
Clara was born and raised in the Greater New Bethel Apostolic Church under the leadership of the late Bishop Robert L. Hairston. She loved her church and loved praising the Lord. She was a member of Rally Group #7 and the telecast choir. Clara will forever be remembered for her unique way of shouting and dancing because she put her all in it. Clara was also a great cook well known for her apple-nut cake, macaroni salad, meatloaf, and mac and cheese. She loved her family and loved having big family gatherings.
Clara is survived by one daughter Benita Gale Hairston (Frank) Of Martinsville, one son Uthel Scott Martin (Pam), one sister, Terressia C. Hairston of Martinsville, one granddaughter, Ericka M. Martin of Martinsville, 4 grandsons, Rashon Hairston, Fabian Martin, Scott Venable, Harvey Martin, 7 great-granddaughters, Khadijah M. Martin, Khloe M. Manns, Damaya Martin, Ny’Asia Mays, Skylar Venable, Harmonie Murphy, Kylie Venable and 4 great grandsons, Zashawn Martin, Zytavius Martin, Amir Venable, and D’Areon Martin, One sister-in-law, Dale Martin of Martinsville, one brother-in-law, David Mitchell of Rocky Mount, VA and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
The homegoing service for Ms. Clara C. Martin will be held on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at 2 p.m. at The C.R.V. Memorial Chapel at Hairston Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens. A public viewing will be held Friday, November 26,2021 at 1-5p.m. at Hairston Funeral Home. All other times, the family will receive friends at the home of her daughter Benita Hairston, 609 5th. St., Martinsville, VA.
In accordance with CDC guidelines a face covering and social distancing is required.
To view live streaming of the funeral service, go to Hairston Funeral Home's Facebook page, then click on the service.
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