Mary Ann Martin

Mary Ann Martin was called home by the Lord on February 7, 2025, at the age of 87. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Born on June 23, 1937, in Bainbridge, Georgia, Mary Ann was the daughter of the late Hoyt and Louise Joyner Thigpen. She was raised in Chattahoochee, Florida, where she graduated in 1955 as Valedictorian of her high school class. Mary Ann then attended Florida State University before entering the workforce in Tallahassee. 

In November of 1959 she met her husband, USAF Lt. Edward Wayne Martin, who was stationed at Bainbridge Air Base for pilot training. It was love at first sight - they married five months later in April of 1960 and thus began a lifetime of love, family, and adventure.

In 1962 they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Amanda, followed by their son, Gary, in 1964. As a devoted Air Force wife, Mary Ann was the consummate officer’s wife, raising the children and making wherever they were stationed a home. She was an active member of the Officers’ Wives Club throughout Ed’s career. Their travels took them literally from sea to shining sea, taking them to many states, ranging from California to Virginia, Florida to Alaska, to Texas, and finally to retirement in Warner Robins, Georgia in 1983.

Mary Ann was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, where she was a longtime and beloved contributor. 

Mary Ann was known for her love of her family, reading, playing bridge, and football. She also loved Elvis, John Wayne movies, Tom Selleck and anything to do with Hawaii. But mostly she was known for her devotion to Ed, and his devotion to her. Her greatest joy came from being surrounded by the friends and family she loved, always taking care of them with kindness and love.

In addition to Mary Ann’s parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 50 years, Col. Edward Martin, USAF (Ret.) in 2009.

Her memory will forever be treasured by her children, Mandy Martin (Michael Mercer) and Gary Martin (LiAnne); granddaughter, Shannon Norman (Peyton), and grandson, Jason Casilli; as well as cherished great-grandchildren, and other extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be Tuesday, February 11, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held immediately following in the chapel.  Afterward, Mary Ann will be laid to rest in Andersonville National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that donations be made in honor of Mary Martin to the American Cancer Society by visiting www.cancer.org/donate. 

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/@McCulloughFuneralHome via the McCullough Funeral Home’s YouTube page.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.