Frances Martin

FRANCES PHILLIPS MARTIN was born on January 17,1940 and departed this life peacefully on April 13, 2024, at Hospice of Randolph.  She was the daughter of the late Mary Eva Headen and John L. Henderson and the late Parks Headen.  Frances was preceded in death by her sister, Johnnie Ruth Headen.

Frances was a proud alumna of Randolph High School where her love of education was first ignited; she educated and impressed the young minds of learning in kindergarten for over 30 years with Randolph County Schools.  Her retirement years were spent taking care of her mother, other family members and delivering “Meals on Wheels” in the community. 

Frances married the love of her life, Thomas Lee Martin, Jr. on July 23,1961, and shared their lives together for 63 years. To this union was born two daughters, Tonya and Monique and one son, Adrian.  Provisions of love were an eminent part of their lives for their children and grandchildren; happiness for Frances was when all of her family was together simply loving each other. 

Frances was a woman of humor and laughter; she could always find a way to bring a smile or chuckle. She was forthright and honest. Frances was a woman of God, a humanitarian who believed ministry extended far beyond the church pews.. Mom lived her life using a simple formula:  Model, Mission and Methods.   “Since Jesus is our MODEL who defines our MISSION, then his METHODS should also be emulated.” She believed in the power of LOVE!

Frances accepted Christ at a very early age and is a lifelong member of St. Stephen AME Church, where she remained actively involved in several organizations and served under the auspices of many Pastors.  She was a member of the Fellowship Senior Choir, Lay Organization, PEARLS Ministry, Pastor’s Aide and President of the Stewardess Board until her health no longer permitted. 

Frances was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who made the best biscuits in the whole world!  She dearly loved her family, and it showed through her extensive celebrations of every birthday and holiday; especially Thanksgiving when her New Orleans family was at home.   She believed in decorating the entire house and preparing elaborate meals for these occasions. 

She leaves to celebrate her life and legacy her devoted husband Thomas, daughters, Tonya (Randy) Shoffner, Monique (Ken) Dark, son, Adrian (Lora) Martin.  Also joining the celebration of her life are one grandson, Spencer Rylan Shoffner (Kanisha), four granddaughters, Sydney Rian Shoffner, Madison MaKenzie Dark, Trinity Adriana Martin, Zakia Brown, Natasha Davis and Brittany Davis.   Four great-grandchildren: Sir Langston Shoffner, Roman Jon-Thomas Shoffner, Blake and Courtland Davis-Jacobs.  Sister in-laws: Faydeen Smith, Phyllis Patterson, and Carolyn Haith. Godchildren: Pat Patterson, Lari Jones and Loren Shipman, uncle, Sonny (Alice) Springs, nieces and nephews: Sherry, Antoinette, Patti, Charles, Mitchell, Rex, Stacy and Christie. Great niece and nephew; Frenchi and Gary Blackwell.  Cousins: Beverly Bell, Marva Dalton, Gwen Harris, Claude J.  Davis, Kay Belmon and a host of other relatives and friends.

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