Gladys Joyce Martin joined her mother, father, sister, and stepmother in Heaven on August 8, 2022 with family at her side.
She was born to the late Rev. FH “Jack” Joyce and Mary Gibson Joyce on December 10, 1940. She married (Jesse) David Martin in 1963 and together they built a life in Stokes County. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Brenda Stephens (Johnny), and her stepmother Ruby Joyce.
She is survived by her husband, her children Myrene Reyes (Jesse) of Summit, NJ, Meritza Moorefied (Jerry) of Sandy Ridge, NC, and Floyd Martin (Patricia) of Oak Ridge, NC. Her grandchildren, Alexa Moorefield Pope (Austin), Jackson Moorefield (Salem), Isabel Reyes, Jesse Martin, Joshua Reyes, and Caleb Martin, carry on her legacy.
Gladys attended Westfield school, graduated from Catawba College with a degree in education and in 1962 began her teaching career in Greensboro. In 1964, she moved to the Stokes County school system starting at Lawsonville School and then became the Special Education teacher at Nancy Reynolds and Francisco elementary schools. She continued as a Special Education teacher at North Stokes High School. She retired from teaching in 1997. While at North Stokes she was the girls track and field coach, a faculty sponsor for several clubs, and a mentor to both teachers and students. After her retirement she supported the Stokes County Retired School Personnel chapter and was an active member for several years.
Gladys throughout her life was committed to the education and welfare of children. Known as “Mrs Martin” by her students and teams, she was fully dedicated to helping all kids get the best education possible, regardless of their abilities or economic status. She became known as “GG” (Grandma Gladys) by her grandchildren. The name was adopted by her Sunday school students, her Girl Scouts, and community members at large.
An active church member her entire life, she served at Peters Creek Baptist Church as a Sunday School teacher and Vacation Bible School coordinator. At Snow Hill Methodist Church she put her heart into children’s Sunday School, the bulletin board messages, and took charge of many behind the scenes jobs.
After her retirement she poured her love for children into her work as a Girl Scout Troop leader and as a hands-on supporter of the Snow Hill After School Pupil Enrichment (SHAPE) program, Backpack program for kids who faced food insecurity, Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, Meals on Wheels, and as a Blood and Platelet donor for many Red Cross drives.
She loved the farm she and David created and never tired of clearing the land, planting a bounty of vegetables and flowers, caring for the cows and other animals, and being outside as much as possible. She was beloved by her family and friends who miss her dedication, appreciation for hard work, and hugs that made you know you were loved.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Stokes County Retired School Personnel Scholarship Fund. Checks can be sent to SCRSP, c /o Ruth Rodgers, 1432 Hart Road, Lawsonville, NC 27022
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at Colonial Funeral Home Stokes Chapel. Friends will be received beginning at 3 p.m. prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home. The family invites all to join them at the Lawsonville Ruritan Building for a barbecue dinner starting at 6:30 p.m.
Colonial Funeral Home Stokes Chapel is serving the family.
Condolences may be offered at www.colonialfh.net
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