Fran was born on January 6, 1945 in Huntington, WV to O.T. and Miriam Stafford. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Marshall University and a master’s degree in education from Florida Atlantic University. On July 28, 1972, she married Raymond J. Martin in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. They raised two twin daughters, Amy and Chrisy.
Fran’s gift and passion was teaching young children. She blessed the lives of hundreds of children during her career, first as an elementary teacher for 30 years and finally as a tutor for dyslexic children in the 17 years she was a resident of Brentwood, TN. While Fran enjoyed teaching many subjects, her greatest joy was sharing the love of Jesus with her students. Even with advanced cancer, she continued teaching because she believed God could still use her to help His precious children.
Her favorite students were her daughters and later her grandchildren, whom she started teaching before kindergarten in “Grammy School.” She had demanding expectations of her students, but she also believed in them, nurtured them with praise and positivity, and gave them the tools they needed so that they could achieve more than others thought possible.
Fran was preceded in death by her father O.T., her mother Miriam, and her brother Tom. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Ray, daughters Amy (Tyson) Jominy and Chrisy (Tim) Byram, and grandchildren Luke, Katherine, Jacob and Austin.
A Celebration of Life will begin on Monday, February 18 at 2:00 p.m. at Brentwood Baptist Church, with Mike Glenn officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 prior to the service.
Because she dedicated her life to Christian education, memorial donations in her honor may be made to Westminster Academy (5601 N. Federal Highway, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33308) and/or Brentwood Academy (219 Granny White Pike, Brentwood, TN 37027).
