Anna Zelle Martin

Anna Zelle Baker Martin, 87 years old of Raleigh, went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 15, 2025. Anna was born on February 3, 1938, in Navarro County, Texas to the late Charlie and Bulah Cliver Baker.

Anna was a vivacious spirit who lit up every room she entered. With her signature flair for vibrant colors, especially her beloved red and bold Native American Indian jewelry, she was a true original, unafraid to express herself in every way. A proud Texan by birth, Anna had an innate warmth and charm that made her the heart of every gathering. She loved to cook and entertain with style, creating joyful moments filled with laughter, music, and love.

Anna had a deep appreciation for beauty, which she showcased in her exquisitely decorated home filled with treasures collected from travels around the world. She had an exceptional eye for detail, particularly when it came to her passion: collecting signed Native American jewelry and artifacts. She was remarkably knowledgeable, able to identify tribes, artists, and even the origin of turquoise stones with ease and expertise.

Above all, Anna's heart belonged to her beloved husband, Fred. They were almost inseparable. She loved her precious Lord, and her dear family. She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, offering snuggles, brushing little girls' hair, and bestowing her signature "sugar kisses." She was a constant presence of joy, comfort, and unconditional support.

Anna had the rare gift of sensing when someone was hurting and offering just the right words or warm embrace. She was a cheerleader, an encourager, and a true comforter. Her generous heart and boundless compassion touched countless lives.

A lifelong lover of art and learning, Anna served as a docent at her local art museum, guiding visitors with her insight and enthusiasm. She was also an engaging speaker, sharing wisdom at women's retreats on the joys of a godly marriage. Her talent for communication shone early; she was a high school debate champion, earned a college scholarship, and later served as president of her Toastmistress club.

Anna was a natural leader, founding and presiding over several neighborhood women's clubs, and for over 20 years, she brought laughter and fun as leader of the Keenagers program. She organized unforgettable events like "Tacky Parties" and socials that left lasting memories.

With a sharp wit and a love for "cutting up," Anna delighted in impersonations, silly voices, and playful antics, never hesitating to pretend to be a monkey just to make a child laugh. Her quick mind, generous spirit, and childlike wonder stayed with her all her life. Even in her final days, she remained gracious, polite, and full of light.

Anna was truly one of a kind, full of laughter, grace, wisdom, and love. She leaves behind a legacy of beauty, faith, and joy that will live on in all who had the honor of knowing her.

In honor and memory of Anna, please consider wearing Native American Indian jewelry, cowboy boots, and/or your favorite statement piece to the service; her family thinks this would make her happy.

Anna was predeceased by her daughter, Tami Anna Martin; her son, Russell Brett Martin; her daughter-in-law, Susan Martin, and her brother-in-law, Charles Newton. Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 68 years, Fred Martin; her daughter, Sonja Moore and her husband John; her grandchildren, Dustin Martin and his wife Kari, Sarah Glantz and her husband Aaron, Cassidy Pilkington and her husband Taylor, and Jackson Moore and his wife Melissa; her great grandchildren, Harper, Emmi, Rosalee, Preston, Hailey, Isaiah, Ashton, McKenzie, Rory, Elsie, and James; her brothers, Ken Baker and his wife "Scoot" and Charlie Baker and his wife Ginger; her sister, Beverly Newton and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family will receive friends on Monday, October 20, 2025, from 10:30am to 11:30am at Bay Leaf Baptist Church, Raleigh, NC. A memorial service will follow at 11:30am in the church sanctuary.

The service will be live streamed for those that cannot attend at www.unlisted.bayleaf.org.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Anna's memory to New Life Camp, www.newlifecamp.com.