Annie Lee Martin

Annie Lee Ridinger Martin, 85, of Martinsville, VA died Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at her home surrounded by many family members. She was born on April 6, 1936, to the late Otto K. and Ida Alma Hylton Ridinger. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her sisters, Lucille Moore, Betty Spencer Willard, Linnie Oliver and Dotty Griffith, brothers Otto, Jr., Joe, Everette and Lilburn Ridinger and one grandson, Joseph Turner.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Horace Martin of the home, two daughters, Pam Brinegar (Steve), Jan Turner (Tony), and three sons Willie Martin (Mitzi), Tommy Martin (Paulette) and Eric Martin (Wendy). In addition she is survived by 11 grandchildren, Brian Brinegar, Stephanie Vipperman, Susanne Washburn, Tyler, Trevor and Madison Martin, Carrie and Lance Martin, Mitchell Turner and Brey and Seth Martin and 16 great-grandchildren, Bristol Brinegar, Zariah Scales, Kipton and Kendra Vipperman, Bryant and Brinden Washburn, Camden Martin, Max and Emerson Lucas, Chris, Emma and Cole Kaltwang, Thomas and Tobias Martin, and Will and Cooper Turner.

Annie was a member of Chatham Heights Baptist Church. She worked at Lee Telephone Company, at Martinsville Memorial Hospital and at Citizens Against Family Violence. She enjoyed gardening, crafts (particularly knitting and sewing), and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially at their athletic, school and extracurricular events. She was a friend to many. She was a devoted foster mom, having kept 60 foster children in her home. She was a PALS volunteer for Henry County schools, donated countless handmade gifts to scores of preschool children throughout Henry County Schools, where she also read to hundreds of elementary school children. She attended Knitwits at Chatham Heights Baptist Church and was a frequent visitor to the seed swap of the Martinsville Bulletin.

She believed in the value of education as this was the key to success in life. She attended Bridgewater College and was a graduate of Patrick Henry Community College and Averett University with a Bachelors’ Degree in Sociology/Social Work. Annie was devoted to any cause that helped mankind and made sure that each of her family members did something to help anyone in need. She aided the Brethren Volunteer Services in the ghettos of Baltimore, MD while a student at Bridgewater College.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 24, 2022 from 6-8 at McKee Funeral Home and at the home at 254 Mountain Mist Drive in Martinsville, VA. The funeral will be on Friday, February 25, 2022 at 2:00 at McKee Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Roselawn Burial Park.

Pallbearers will be grandsons and honorary pallbearers will be great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be led by Dr. Mike Hatfield and Pastor Curt Ashley, with Eulogist Willie Martin.

Memorial donations may be made to Dyer’s Store Volunteer Fire Department, Mountain Valley Hospice or any charity of one’s choice.

The family wishes to express appreciation to the caregivers, to Mountain Valley Hospice, and to family and friends who shared their love, food, cards and concerns for Annie.