Viola Martin

Viola M. Martin CHESAPEAKE - Viola M. Martin, 91, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister, of the 2000 block of Smith Ave., died Oct. 24, 2008, at Leigh Memorial Hospital in Norfolk. She was born in Jamesville Sept. 27, 1917, daughter of the late James A. Manning and Alice Brown Manning. Mrs. Martin was a native of Jamesville, N.C., and recently moved to Chesapeake to reside with her daughter. On Nov. 24, 1935, she was married to Georgie E. Martin who preceded her in death in 1979. Mrs. Martin graduated from Jamesville High School, where she excelled in basketball. She loved basketball until her death. She was a true NC State fan and attended their games until a few years ago. She was also a talented artist and only began taking classes when she was 65 years of age. Several of her paintings were displayed in shows in the state and she won several awards. She was a true and faithful member of the Jamesville United Methodist Church and the Jamesville Woman's Club. Left to cherish her memory are one daughter, Faye Martin Mobley and husband Larry of Chesapeake; one son, Eddie Martin Jr. and wife Gail of Raleigh; five grandchildren, Ed, Anna and Laura Martin, Larry and Martin Mobley; five great-grandchildren, Brooke, April, Paige, Slater and Sawyer Mobley; and one great-great-grandchild, Sophia Thacker. She is also survived by three brothers, George H. Manning and wife Lennie of Virginia Beach, James R. "Duff" Manning of Norfolk and Tom B. Manning of Framingham, Mass.; several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. She lived several years with one special niece, Jane Martin Perry and husband Randy. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Leyta Faye Martin and Strelsa Griffin. Visitation will be held Monday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Biggs Funeral Home, Williamston, N.C. The funeral will be held Tuesday at Jamesville United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in the Jamesville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jamesville United Methodist Church.