Mary was born on August 22, 1927, in Helena, Alabama to Luther and Lyndal Cline. She graduated from Alabama College (University of Montevallo) in 1949 and later received her Master’s Degree in Physical Education. Mary began her career in Warrior, Alabama then taught P.E., Science, and Health, and coached basketball and volleyball, in Shelby County schools for over forty years before retiring from Chelsea High School in 1989. On July 23, 1952, she married Dolphus L. Martin of Calera, and they lovingly raised two children, Anthony and Kelly.
Mary was a devout Christian and a lifelong member of Pelham First United Methodist Church (Lakeview) where she and her sister Jean were very involved in children’s ministries, bringing many children and their families to the church. She sang in and directed the choir, served as the Superintendent of Education, and also directed Vacation Bible School for many years. She was an active member of the United Methodist Women’s organization and the American Mother’s Association.
Mary had a passion for sports and competition. She lived vicariously through University of Alabama athletics and the games of her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She also participated in bowling, softball, playing cards, dominoes, and Bunco with family and friends. Whether it was camping in the Smokies, trips to the beach, traveling to meetings with her sister, or weekly dinners at her home; those were the moments that brought her the most joy because she was surrounded by loved ones.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents Luther and Lyndal, her beloved husband Doc, her sister Jean Pryor, and her nephew Stephen Pryor. She is survived by her son Anthony Martin (Kay), and daughter Kelly Camp (Buddy), her five grandchildren Ashley Camp (Rena’), Josh Camp (Cheryl), Cline Martin, Jason Camp (Ashle’), and John Paul Camp, her great-grandson Ashton Camp, and step great-grandchildren Maddie Mulhearn, Elizabeth Engelhardt, and Ethan Engelhardt. Mary was also blessed to have many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and students that enriched her life.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at Southern Heritage, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, Alabama. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. with chapel and graveside services to follow at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Lakeview Pelham’s First United Methodist Church, the Salvation Army, Jimmie Hale Mission or Oak Mountain Missions (https://oakmtnmissions,com/).
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