Gilbert Franklin Martin

Gilbert Franklin Martin Gilbert Franklin Martin, 68, also affectionately known as Gilboo and Flip, came into this life on January 20, 1942, born to the late John Pizarro Martin and Jane Napper Martin Coleman. He went home to be with our Lord the eve of Monday, June 21, 2010.

Gilbert was educated in the public schools system of Nelson County. In his youth, he developed his life long passion of playing and watching baseball. He and his brothers spent countless hours playing ball when there not picking apples and peaches in the orchards near their home. He joined the Popular Flats Baptist Church at an early age and remained a member. In his teens, he began working for the late Herman Ponton. A work relationship and friendship that remained throughout their lives.

Upon graduation, he served four years in the United States Army. After completing his years of service with the military, Gilbert moved to Alexandria with his brothers. He continued working in the construction business with his brother, William.

He later returned to Nelson County. Gilbert was an independent spirit who, along with his brothers, helped to build many residences, churches and businesses in Nelson and surrounding counties.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Kimberly Martin Tuppince and her husband, Kevin, of Richmond Virginia, Sherri Johnson Stevens and her husband, Patrick, of Easthampton, New Jersey, and Conrono P. Martin of Miami, Florida; his four grandchildren, Emily and Erin Tuppince and Derek and Aaron Stevens. He is also survived by his former wife, Bettye Morse Martin; and siblings Mildred Martin Foster of Shipman Virginia; Elizabeth Martin Bowling and her husband, William, and Robert and his wife, Arlene, of Arrington, Virginia, Julian "Liteburn" and his wife, Geneva, of Charlottesville Virginia, Roy and his wife, Wilhelmina, and Walter and his wife, Bettye, of Alexandria Virginia, and Eddie of New York; two sisters-in-law, Cecelia Martin and Mary Eula; devoted friend of the family, Johnny Ponton; a special nephew, Kenneth Martin; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by brothers, John, William "Buddin" and Thomas; and one sister-in-law, Eleanor King Martin.



This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.