Betty Ann Martin

Betty Ann Pugh Martin, age 62 of Brentwood, Tennessee, passed away on April 11, 2015 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, after a long battle with bronchiectasis, including a double lung transplant in August 2014. Betty was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, niece, and friend. She was born on August 27, 1952 in Nashville, Tennessee to James Edward Pugh and Clara Hastings Pugh, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Larry Martin; sons, Grant (Emi) Martin and Seth (Kara) Martin; daughter, Melissa (Walt) Burton; granddaughter, Ellie Martin; grandsons, Ben Martin, Liam Burton, Jeb Burton, and Miles Martin, all of Nashville; and brother Jim Pugh, who resides in the Republic of Panama.Betty was an honors graduate of Middle Tennessee State University. Her 31 year career with the IRS ended with her as the Taxpayer Advocate for the State of Tennessee. She also took an 8 year break from service with the IRS to be a homemaker. She retired from the IRS in 2013. She was extensively involved with Morningstar Sanctuary, an organization that provides refuge for victims and children who have fled abusive relationships, and helps empower them to break the cycle of violence that controls their lives. She served on Morningstar's Board of Directors and previously served as the Chair of that Board. She was involved with numerous other charitable organizations as well. She was an active member of Brentwood Hills Church of Christ. She loved spending time with her family, travelling with her husband, working in her yard, and walking outside for exercise. Most importantly, Betty was a godly woman who loved and served others tirelessly. She loved the Lord with all her heart, her soul, and her mind, and loved her neighbors as herself. She loved, served, and adored her husband, children, and grandchildren, and they all loved and adored her. During their lives, she was a devoted caretaker of her mother, aunts, and uncles in their later years. During her career, she worked for and with numerous people who were inspired by her hard work, dedication, and diligence in her job. She found a way to serve others while working for the Internal Revenue Service, as the Taxpayer Advocate. er life was a shining example of Christ's love in the lives of everyone who knew her. Celebration of Life Service will be held at Brentwood Hills Church of Christ on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at two o'clock in the afternoon, with an Interment following at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, Tennessee. Gathering of family and friends will be held at Brentwood Hills Church of Christ, 5120 Franklin Pike, Nashville, Tennessee on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 from four o'clock until seven o'clock, and on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers to serve: Grant Martin, Seth Martin, Walt Burton, Danny Wagonfield, Don Fish and Danny Cage. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Morningstar Sanctuary (www.morningstarsanctuary.org) or Brentwood Hills Church of Christ.