Frances Myers Martin

Our hearts were broken Friday night the 6th of December when our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend Frances Helen Myers Martin was called home to be with her loving husband Harold Thompson Martin in Heaven. They are already dancing a square dance or a 2-step just like old times.

Last week, Frances was driving home from swimming, one of her favorite pastimes. She suffered a massive stroke. Rushed to Suburban Hospital, she never regained consciousness. She was immediately placed in hospice where she was treated like a queen for 3 days. Happily, this gave time for friends and family to come, pay respects and reminisce. Many stories were told. Some exaggerated. Some more true than others. Laughter and tears were shared in equal measure. We thank God for giving us those 3 days.

Frances was born in Washington, DC on March 2, 1935 to John William and Helen Mosley Myers. Sadly, her mother passed away before her first birthday. She was raised by her father and some loving aunts. Her father moved the family to Southport, NC and later to Raccoon Ford, VA. Frances grew up with her brothers Bob, Dave, and Don and sister Barbara. She grew up strong and resilient, which were traits she carried with her throughout her life. She attended Culpeper High School and Mary Washington College where she excelled in both academics and athletics. She started her career teaching PE in Culpeper High School. A short time after graduation Frances met Harold Martin at a Saturday night dance at the Center in Richardsville, VA. On May 2, 1959, they were married.

Frances and Harold, a master carpenter, moved to Maryland and landed in Kensington, a place

they loved and where they both lived until each passed away. Harold in 1992 and Frances just now. They attended St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. In 1960 they welcomed a daughter, Sandra (Scott) Wilson, later joined by their son Scott (Pam) Martin in 1962, another son, Steve in 1968 and in 1971, their youngest daughter Sheri (Mike d/c) Griffin.

Frances worked for Montgomery County Public Schools as a substitute teacher, math resource para-educator and later she was a data technician in the County math department. After 29 years in the County, she retired when her supervisor suggested (strongly) that she take several computer classes designed to enhance her computer capabilities. I won’t repeat the words she used, but the gist was she was too old to go back to school. Retirement began in 2005. It consisted of spending time with family and friends, leading an aerobics group at church, walking, swimming, jigsaw puzzles and Sudoku.

Frances is survived by her 4 children, 8 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren, and many

relatives and treasured friends. She was predeceased by her mother and father, husband, siblings, and other beloved relatives.

We welcome you to attend visitation on Tuesday December 10th from 4 - 7 pm at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Kensington, MD. The funeral will be held at Richardsville Methodist Church in Richardsville, VA on Wednesday December 11th.