Patty Martin

Patty Martin was born 74 years ago to Homer and Bobbie Martin in Harlan, Kentucky. She moved to Florida when she was four years old and attended school in Inverness, graduating a year early from Citrus High School in 1968. She initially attended Pensacola Junior College, earning a degree in Dental Hygiene. Patty worked as a Dental Hygienist in Daytona, Inverness, Tampa, and in Kentucky. She later attended Saint Leo College, Troy State University, and Piedmont College, earning bachelor's, master's, and educational specialist degrees.

In 1987, Patty changed careers to law enforcement and was a member of Tampa Police Academy Class 100. After graduating, she worked as a patrol officer for the Tampa Police Department. Later she returned to Inverness and became a Citrus County Deputy Sheriff, working as the School Resource Officer at the Lecanto school complex. Working as a Deputy in the school system for several years led Patty into a career as a teacher. Patty was a well-respected educator for many years and in the 1990s, she received a Teacher of the Year award that included a trip to Paris, France. Her teaching career began in Inverness, but she also taught in Pensacola and later in Hall County, Georgia, until retirement there. After returning to Citrus County, she taught at the Inverness Primary and Middle Schools until she retired a second time.

Patty never met a stranger and enjoyed gathering with family and friends. She was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Patty was generous to a fault, always putting others ahead of herself. Church, travel, shopping, good food, good books, and good movies were all things she really enjoyed.

Patty passed away unexpectedly on February 1, 2025. She attended the First Lutheran Church of Inverness, and she will be reunited with her parents, and her nephew Sean. She is survived and will be lovingly remembered by her brother Butch Martin (Vicki) of Hernando, her brother Robert Martin (Lara) of Odessa, Texas, niece Kara Bennett (Bret), nephew Joel Martin, Sr. (Kristina), great nieces and nephew Regan Elson, Kyrsten Elson, and Joel Martin, Jr., her cousins, and her many friends in Inverness and throughout the South. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Arrangements are under the direction of Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home in Inverness. In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donating to St. Jude's Children Hospital, or the charity of your choice. Services will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home, Inverness.