Elizabeth "Betty" R. Martin

Obituary For Elizabeth "Betty" R. Martin

With heavy hearts we share that Elizabeth May Rhode Martin (Betty) entered eternal life at the age of 91 on January 19, 2022 in New Bern, North Carolina. She died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

Betty grew up in Hampton, Virginia. She graduated from Georgetown University with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing and worked at Georgetown University Hospital and at an internist office. For her family, she became a fantastic Dr. Mom with excellent diagnostic skills.

It was at Georgetown that Betty met her future husband, James Joseph Martin. They celebrated just shy of 60 years of marriage while living all over the world including in Germany, Taiwan and Spain with Vienna, Virginia as their home base.

More than anything, Betty was a prayerful woman of faith. Her Catholic faith was her guide and foundation throughout her life. She was also an adventurous foodie, inspiring her children to eat fearlessly despite an unfortunate foray or two (read, graham cracker crusted kidney pie, plain steamed cow tongue). She was also an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed needlepoint and watercolor painting. Betty and Jim both loved to read, and their home became a veritable library.

Betty looked forward to visits from her grandchildren whom she loved and prayed for all the time. Each grandchild held a special place in her heart.

Betty is survived by her children: Mary Martin-O’Brien (Dennis, dec) Berlin, CT; Elizabeth(Beth) A. Martin, New Bern, NC; Thomas A. Martin (Evangelia) Pelham, NY; Frances Clark (John), Somers, CT; James K. Martin (Donna), Windsor, WI; and her grandchildren: Mary’s daughter, Katie; Beth’s cat, Dixie; Tom’s children, Zoe and Nicholas; Francie’s children, Rachel Perry (Jared), Ruth, James, and Mary Helen, and Jim’s children, Sarah, Jack, and Maggie.

She is also survived by her loving brothers, Dr. Joseph Rhode (Caroline), Midland, TX, and Richard V. Rhode, Jr. (Judy), Louisburg, NC, in addition to many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, James J. Martin, her sister, Diana Rhode Striker Campbell (Amherst, VA), and her granddaughter, Angela Clark.

The family will receive friends at Oscar's Memorial Chapel, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Friday, March 11, 2022. Services will be held at 1 :00 pm Saturday, March 12, 2022 with a Mass of Christian burial at St. Paul’s Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Fr Flanagan’s Boys Town (now serving both boys and girls), boystown.org/give or The Sudan Relief Fund (sdnrlf.com).