November 14, 1928 ~ October 10, 2026 (age 97)
A graveside service for Patty Louise Adams Martin will be held at 10:00 a.m. on October 17, 2026 at Garden Hills Cemetery in Opelika. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Methodist Church in Opelika with a reception and visitation afterwards in the church’s Fellowship Hall. Reverends Earl Ballard and Jimmy Allen will officiate.
Patty Martin died on October 10, 2026. She is preceded in death by her father, Andy Adams, and her mother, Orah McGullian Adams, six older brothers and four older sisters, and her beloved husband of 69 years, Bill Martin.
Patty was born on November 14, 1928 in Cache Lake, Arkansas. She graduated from Knobel High School where she was Valedictorian of her graduating class, and she received a full scholarship to attend the University of Arkansas. She declined the scholarship in 1948 and married Bill, her childhood sweetheart. Patty and Bill shared many wonderful years together. Early in their marriage they traveled through Texas and Mississippi while Bill pursued a career playing professional baseball which ultimately brought them to Opelika in 1949.
Patty is survived by two sons, Stan Martin (Sophia) and Joel Martin (Jan); three grandchildren, Allen Martin (Tiffany), Melanie Blackmon (Will), and Caroline Compton (Ben), all of Opelika; 16 great grandchildren: Allen Martin III (Claire), Langston Martin (Avery), Mary Chapman Martin, Ellie Grace Martin, Web Blackmon, Palmer Blackmon, Hank Blackmon. Barrett Blackmon, Evie Sarris Blackmon, Haddon Blackmon, Georgi Caroline Blackmon, Camp Blackmon, Lettie Elisabeth Blackmon, Poppy Clementine Blackmon, Si Blackmon, and Eben Blackmon; one great-great granddaughter (Hazel, daughter of Allen and Claire); many nieces and nephews, and other relatives.
Shaped by the teachings of her mother who said, “‘can’t’ never did nothing” and “hard work never hurt anyone,” Patty always tried to do her best. She did not waste a single day of her long life. Patty was a homemaker, loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great grandmother. Early in her career she was a bookkeeper and then taught piano privately in her home. She later took classes at Southern Union College and Auburn University. She organized the first Newcomers Club in Opelika, and in 1974 she became a licensed real estate broker and was one of the leading realtors in Lee County for many years until retirement. She was also a member of the Mentor Club and Garden Lover’s Club.
An active member of Trinity Methodist Church since 1953, serving in many capacities. Patty sustained a lifelong practice of Bible study, was a faithful member of the New Life Sunday School Class, and participated in the XYZ fellowship. She enjoyed writing poetry and short stories; painting with water colors; playing bridge, Scrabble, and Amtrak; hosting small parties with friends and church groups; and spending time with her family. She loved to watch beautiful clouds float across the blue skies of Alabama. She had a heart for lonely people or groups with special needs and creatively found ways to fill those needs.
In her later years, she especially enjoyed time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved cooking special treats for them, including her coveted caramel cake. Along with Bill, she championed her grandchildren’s activities, faithfully attending all of their sporting events, recitals, and performances.
After living independently until 2025, she resided with Joel and Jan in their home for several months, and finally at Arbor Springs Skilled Nursing, where she became a beloved member of the community cherished by the staff. To the very end, she retained her stunningly sharp mind and generously shared her gentle smile framed by her endearing dimples. She appreciated the care that family, friends, neighbors, volunteers with Village Friends, and others provided in her advanced years, including her beloved primary care physician, Dr. Mike Gunter.
She was always grateful for God’s blessings that were new every morning and treasured her family and the many good friends God placed in her life across many generations. Her trust and faith was in Jesus Christ.
Serving as pallbearers are John Reed, David Myers, Randy Bartlett, Rainer Meadows, Tutt Barrett, Patrick Williams, and Mac Morris.
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