Margaret Garnett Claiborne Martin

Margaret Garnett Claiborne Martin died July 17, 2015 at Genesis Healthcare after a lengthy illness. She was born in Richmond, Virginia on January 7, 1928, the only child of Robert Garnett and Evelyn Walthall Arthur Claiborne. During her high school years she moved with her parents to Salisbury. She was educated at Saint Gertrude’s School in Richmond, Va., Notre Dame Academy in Southern Pines, Boyden High School, and Salem College. She was an accomplished horsewoman, passing her love of riding to her daughters and granddaughters. She also bred and trained Connemara ponies. She was an avid bridge player, and enjoyed duplicate bridge with friends. She was a voracious reader, and her interests included genealogy and Virginia history. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Gilmer Martin whom she married on December 10, 1948. She was distinguished by her family, which included six children, eleven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She is survived by daughter, Barbara and husband, Francis Rivers Lawther, Jr. of Salisbury, NC; daughter, Patricia and husband, Jos Johan Bakker, of Destin, FL; daughter, Gabrielle Kenney of Newport News, VA; son Robert Claiborne Martin and wife, Rhonda of Salisbury, NC; daughter Catherine and husband, William Mark Yarbrough, of Raleigh, NC; and son Gilmer Martin II and wife, Jean, of Wilmington, NC. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren are Blakele Bakker of Chattanooga, TN; Cole Bakker, wife, Erin, and children Jackson and Brantley of Destin, FL; Conley Kenney and Greer Kenney of Raleigh, NC; Claiborne Kenney of Newport News, VA; Seth Martin and Taylor Martin of Salisbury; William Yarbrough and wife, Amy, of Raleigh; Charlotte Yarbrough of Raleigh; and step-grandchildren John Lawther of San Diego, Ca. and Katharine Lawther of Charlotte. She was loved by all who knew her and had a unique ability to connect with people of all ages, who considered her ageless. She is remembered for her intellectual curiosity, her energy and enthusiasm, and her capacity to love and accept differences. The family would like to thank her devoted caregivers, the exceptional nursing staff at Genesis, and also Dr. William Reid Black. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at Chestnut Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to an organization of donor’s choice. Summersett Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. On line condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com

Margaret Garnett Claiborne Martin

January 7, 1928 - July 17, 2015