OBITUARY: Marion L. Martin

Marion L. Martin, a loving and kind soul, was born on March 25, 1941, in Robeson County, North Carolina. She departed this life on Oct. 20, 2024, at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of love, hard work, and deep family connections.

Marion was a remarkable woman whose career spanned various paths, reflecting her diverse talents and industrious spirit. She proudly owned her own beauty salon, where enhanced the beauty of many. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to also own a thrift store, providing the community with affordable treasures while fostering a sense of connection among its members.

Marion’s journey included working at JCPenny and Ace Hardware in the floral department, where her creativity blossomed as she crafted beautiful floral arrangements. A gifted seamstress, she had a knack for fabric and design that complemented her artistic talents, which endeared her to those fortunate enough to know her.

Marion graduated from Robeson Community College with a degree in Cosmetology, carving a niche for herself in an industry that she cherished and wholeheartedly embraced. Her career was not just a means of livelihood; it was an extension of her personality — open, warm, and nurturing.

Family was at the heart of Marion’s life. She was a devoted wife to her husband, Arthur Martin, and a proud mother to her children, Stephen Malloy Adams (Sandra), Joseph Matthew Adams (fiancé Dawn) and Lewis Andrew Adams (Jennifer). Her nurturing spirit extended to her grandchildren — Bradley, Garrett, Cameron, Kinsley, Jaycob and Ethan — who brought her immense joy and pride. Marion also embraced her role as a stepmother and was a loving figure to Mike Martin (Susan), Glenda Cody (Kevin), Sherry Cooper (Elijah) and Gerry Martin (Vickie), who were fortunate to be touched by her generosity of heart.

Marion had a special bond with her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She cherished moments spent with Colton, Ady, Maddox, and a host of step-great-grandchildren: Michaela, Addison, Dakota, Bailey, Luke, Chase, Jayden, Kyleigh, Mylie, Emma, Ella, Rachel, Levi, Autumn, Aubrey, Leighton, Lucas, Laine Gray, Haisley and Brynlee. Each child held a unique place in her heart, and her legacy will live on through their fond memories of her.

Marion is survived by her brothers, Lewis Edwin Bruce and Billy Ambrose Bruce, who remember her with deep affection.

She joins her beloved family members above: her father, Lewis Edwin Bruce Sr.; her mother, Nora Lee Carter Bruce; first husband, Joseph Malloy Adams; brother, Heirnerard “Henry” Carson Bruce; and sisters, Betty Bruce Hester McRae and Martha Bruce Byrd.

A visitation in honor of Marion will take place at Carter Funeral Home in Rockingham, on Oct. 24, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. Her funeral service will be celebrated at Sweet Haven Church in Rockingham on Oct. 25, 2024, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Kane McKenzie officiating, followed by another service at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Lumberton, at 3:30 p.m. with the Rev. Johnny Bruce and Tim Tyner officiating. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.

Marion L. Martin touched many hearts, and her loving spirit will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know her. As we celebrate her life, let us carry forward the kindness and warmth she exemplified each day.