Lelia Christine Martin

Lelia Christine Doss Martin, (Teen) 94, departed this life Friday, February 20 , 2015 at her daughter’s home in Prospect, VA. Christine was born in Dillwyn, VA on January 18, 1921 to John Richard Doss and Lelia Virginia Bowman Doss. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Lacy Randolph Fariss and Howard Harry Martin, her sister Bertha Mae Edwards and her husband Wilson Edwards, two brothers William Austin Doss and his wife Ethel Merle Doss, and Robert Mahoney and his wife Blanche Mahoney, a daughter–in-law Christina de Wilde Martin, wife of Thomas Howard Martin (Tommy), a son-in-law Gordon M. Emert, Sr. husband of Peggy Emert, and a sister-in law Ruth Doss, wife of John R. Doss, a nephew Donald Wilson Edwards, and a niece Elizabeth Fay Doss Kain. Christine is survived by a brother, John Richard Doss (Uncle Pete), of Gallatin, Tennessee, two sons Earl Randolph Fariss and his wife Janice, and Thomas Howard Martin (Tommy), both of Farmville, VA, three daughters, Peggy Emert of Prospect, VA, Ann Victoria Oakes (Vicky) and her husband Bobby of Rice, VA, Linda Martin Stamat and her husband Robert of Winston Salem, NC, a niece Mary Ann Doss who was like a daughter, 13 grandchildren Todd Fariss and his wife Jody, Gavin Fariss and Amy Fariss Proctor, all of Farmville, VA, Gordon Emert, Jr. (Toby), of Atlanta GA , J. David Emert and his wife LeAnne, Michele (Shell) Grimsley and her husband Keith all of Prospect, Tammy Jo Oakes Todd and husband Jason of Cornelius, NC, and Mariea Kay Oakes LeFevers and her husband, Jimmy, of Keysville, VA, Michael Stamat,II of Loveland, Ohio, and Martin Stamat and the younger sibling, Alexandra Stamat both of Page, Arizona and Dieuwertje Van de Hagan and Suzanna Walet, both of the Netherlands. Eleven great grandchildren, Jeffrey and Nicholas Fariss, Madissen and Kolby Grimsley, Drew and Taylor Newton, Anna LeFevers, Charlie Sparks and Lelia Victoria (Lilly) Todd, Nikki and Faye Veltman. Christine worked at Camp Pickett, VA in the early 1940’s and met Ethel Merle Gatlin and brought her home to Farmville where Merle met her brother William Doss and married him. Later she worked at the Southside Sundry where she met and married Howard Martin in 1947. Christine also worked at the garment factory and retired from the Amelia Dress Company. Christine was a member of Bread of Life Fellowship and attended as long as she was able. “Whatsoever her hand found to do she did with all her might.” Children were always special to Christine. She had five of her own and helped numerous foster children, babies and teenagers and all ages in between. At one time there were nine nieces and nephews living with her. Her heart went out to children needing love and a home. She loved unconditionally and never judged. She had a heart of gold but always believed in discipline and in working. She loved family, irises, gladiolus, gardening, canning, quilting, bus trips, cook books, coffee (she started granddaughters Tammy Jo and Mariea on coffee colored milk early in their lives and they continue the trend with their own children) and high heeled shoes. A sad day for her was when she broke both hips and the doctor said no more high heels. Mom had a different relationship with each of her children. Earl, the oldest and the one that we all had to listen to seemed to always get his way. He always loved gardening and flowers and kept her with fresh flowers- amaryllis being his specialty. He always came with a treat of some kind. Earl often rode her over to his garden and the pond or just sat and talked with her. Earl loved her. Peggy was her personal bookkeeper and secretary. The one that sent all her cards and helped in whatever way she was needed. Mom was always invited for vacation trips and often went to Tennessee for Emert family reunions and fun days at Dollywood. She was quickly adopted by the Emerts. Peggy loved her. Vicky often took her “flea-marketing” even as far away as West Virginia and North Carolina but also to antique shops around home. Christine loved the days when Vicky showed up with crab legs and the two of them had their own party. They shopped at every Goodwill close and always came home with “some- things”! Vicky loved her. Tommy was always the pet. He married late in life and Christina (Chris) fit right in the family. Mom and Chris loved to watch “Dancing With the Stars” and Chris was always so good to her. If Chris’ life had not been cut so short Mom would have had another daughter! Whenever there was a problem Mom always called Tom and he always came, whether it was plumbing, electrical, lawn mower troubles or the TV remote. They spent many evenings sitting on the couch and just talking. Mom loved to go to Tom’s and “feed the fish” or gather the eggs or check on the cattle. She wanted to watch for new baby calves. Tom called every night before he went to bed. Tom loved her. Linda and her family live in North Carolina so she called every day. Never a night went by that they didn’t talk. When Linda and her family came they helped with whatever was on the agenda for the day. They just spent quality time with her playing some and working some. Michael, Martin and Alexandra loved to come spend time with Nanny, their only living grandparent. Linda loved her. Mary Ann, her niece “came and went” a lot in her youth. But the last ten or so years she has been a loving caretaker. Mom and Mary Ann spent many hours playing “Yahtzee” (Mom won most games) and drinking coffee all hours of the day and night. Mary Ann loved her. The last year of Nan’s life was spent in her daughter’s home in Prospect. She was showered with love from Peggy, Toby, David, LeAnne, Taylor, Keith, Shell, Madissen, Kolby, Melissa, Ken, Graham and Steven. She was a part of their lives and every activity included her. It was an amazing year hearing her stories and having the opportunity to return some of the love that she so freely gave. They all loved Nan. All who knew her was blessed just by knowing her. Heaven is happy to have this great lady. Jesus loves her. Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Galatians 6:7) Mom sowed love and has reaped love. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Her children arise up and call her blessed. (Proverbs 31) Memorial contributions may be made to The March of Dimes and mail it to Peggy Emert, 1131 Oliver Road, Prospect, VA 23960. Please mark your check “Team Christine Martin”. Mom’s children and grandchildren will be walking in the 2015 March of Dimes Walk in Farmville in loving memory of the years we walked with her; she was often the top fund raiser. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 11:00AM in the chapel of Puckett Funeral Home interment to follow at Trinity Memorial Gardens. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 from 6:00PM – 8:00PM at Puckett Funeral Home.