She was born June 23, 1921 in Wolf Bayou, Arkansas, the fifth daughter of Otto and Rosa Ward. After high school she attended Arkansas State Teachers College (now Lyon College) in Batesville, AR before moving to Memphis, TN, where she met E.D. “Bud” Martin, Jr. They married in 1947 and moved to Jackson, TN where they lived the remainder of their marriage.
Marion was an active member of First United Methodist Church, Jackson serving on various committees. She volunteered with scouting with her children, as a hospital volunteer and served on the board of Youth Town.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bud Martin; three sisters, Freda Ward, Ava Ward and Mildred Reed; and her son-in-law, Ron Lewis.
She is survived by her children, Edmund D. Martin, III, Virginia Lewis, and Ann (Ernest) Lawrence; her grandchildren, Becky Lewis Sousoulas, Sara (David) Lewis Brawner, Meg Lawrence; great-granddaughters, Ella and Sara James Sousoulas, her sister, Helen McCown, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will receive friends and loved ones at a visitation to be held on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 from 1-2 p.m. at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons.
The memorial service will be conducted on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 following the visitation at 2 p.m. at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons with Rev. Sky McCracken of First United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will be held privately at Highland Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be sent to First United Methodist Church, Jackson, TN or the American Ahlzeimers Association, or the charity of your choice.
George A. Smith and Sons North Chapel, (731) 427-5555