Estelle Best Martin

Estelle Best Martin, 87, of Bladenboro passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Henry Best and Ruby McPherson Best, her husband Craven Martin, brothers Jake and Joe Best and two sisters, Nizy Bell Best and Nezi Mae Pope. 

Left to cherish her memory are sons, Steve Martin of Winston Salem, Jerry Martin (Tabitha) of Maryville, TN, daughter Deborah Butler (Bradley) of Bladenboro, sister Cecil Crumpler (Bobby) of Gloucester, VA, six grandchildren Amy Rosa (Jose), Brad Butler, Bridger Martin (Charlotte), Adam Martin (Ashlynn), Brittney Gaumer, and Eric Jenkins and seven great grandchildren Marisa Rosa, Isabella Rosa, Magnolia Martin, Stephen Martin, Silas Martin, Mason and Avery.

 It is with a heavy heart and great sadness to let everyone know that our mom, Ms. Estelle Martin, passed away Sunday. We know she is rejoicing in Heaven now and has no more pain. She battled Parkinson’s disease for a long time, but she was a fighter. She was the hardest working, toughest, sweetest, and the greatest lady any of us has ever known. Her children are so glad they were able to call her “Mom”. She had a heart for people and music. She self-taught herself to play the piano and played for many years. She loved the Lord, her family and anyone who needed a helping hand. She took in many and gave them a home throughout the years. She volunteered her time in the community playing piano for the senior citizens center, church choirs, retirement homes, and received awards for her contributions to the Bladenboro community through her music ministry.

She was a giver and loved working in the garden and with flowers. Her favorite words about flowers were “Oh they are so beautiful; I could just eat them up”

 She listened to all music but loved Southern Gospel music.

Mom helped change many people’s lives through her passion of music and daily walk with the Lord.

Mom will be missed terribly but we know she is still with us in our hearts and the memories we’ve made together. For those of you who knew Mom, you know just how special she was and still is to many.

 In the words of Estelle Martin, “This ain’t goodbye. This is See you later!’

The family will receive friends from 3-3:45 pm on Friday, July 5, 2024, at the Galeed Baptist Church in Bladenboro followed by a funeral service at 4 pm with the Reverend Brett Young and the Reverend Warren Hill officiating. Burial will follow the services in the Singletary Cemetery, on Old Boardman Road in Bladenboro.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Lower Cape Fear Homecare and Hospice in Thomasville, NC for the dedication and genuine care given during the illness of their mom.