Jeraldeen “Jerrie”Allen Martin

Jeraldeen Allen Martin, Denver NC

Born March 1, 1936, Jeraldeen “Jerrie” Martin was the youngest of four children born to the late John and Teula Allen. On Christmas Eve 2024, she walked through Heaven’s beautiful gates and was immediately joined by her savior, Jesus Christ, a host of angels that quickly invited her to join the heavenly choir, her husband of 66 years, Wiley, and her beloved family that went before her, especially her sister and shopping buddy, Jean.  To say it was a joyous Christmas homecoming that we on earth can only dream about is an understatement.  During Jerrie’s 88 years on this earth, she lived a full life of laughter and joy, loved her family well, married and loved only one man, raised 3 children, and lovingly spoiled 5 grandchildren.

Jerrie graduated from Charlotte’s Harding High School in 1954, but years prior had already caught the eye of her neighbor, Wiley Martin.  After several years of “courting” (as Wiley would call it), Jerrie and Wiley were married on June 6, 1954, the weekend after she graduated high school.  Soon thereafter, Wiley was drafted into the Army and was stationed in Kaiserslautern, West Germany, with Jerrie being able to join him overseas after 10 months.  For the final year of Wiley’s service in Germany, Jerrie was by his side while they lived in a one-room off-base apartment complete with a hot plate, 1 twin bed, and a communal bathroom.  For years afterwards, Jerrie always pointed to this time together in a foreign country early in their marriage as a time when she and Wiley nurtured each other and built a strong, inseparable bond that lasted their remaining 66 years together.  They were each other’s best friends – a fact obvious to all who were around them for any length of time.

After returning to Charlote, Jerrie worked at Lance Crackers in Charlotte for several years while Wiley returned to his role at Bell South.  They were faithful church members of Enderly Park Baptist Church located on Tuckaseegee Road in Charlotte which later moved and became University Hills Baptist Church in 1978.  Later, Jerrie and Wiley became integral members of Hickory Grove Baptist Church where Wiley was on staff and Jerrie volunteered in multiple capacities.  After Wiley retired at Hickory Grove, they joined Denver Baptist Church in Denver, NC and continued to be active participants in ministry.  All through her life, she and Wiley both attended church regularly, taught Sunday School, and served in multiple roles within the Church.

Jerrie and Wiley’s family grew to include a daughter, Michelle Martin Simmons, and two sons, John and James Martin.  It was at this time that Jerrie started her most rewarding career as a stay-at-home mother where she raised her children with love and care while also ensuring they attended church, completed their schoolwork and served as a neighborhood mom to many of her children’s friends.  She was always busy attending their various sporting events and activities, while making sure they each knew they were unconditionally loved and cared for.

Over the years, Jerrie’s family grew to include a son-in-law, Bryan Simmons, daughter-in-law, Emilee (Rice) Martin, and five grandchildren, Jacob and Ben Simmons, Palmer Martin, Jack and his wife Lily Martin, her only granddaughter, Kaylee and her husband, Jake Patterson. Her grandchildren were the apple of her eye and, just like with her children before them, Jerrie took the time to develop a special relationship with each one.  Putting her sewing and crafting skills to work, there was not a baby’s nursery or window treatment in her family’s homes that did not include a contribution from Jerrie, or “Maw Maw” as she affectionally became known once her grandchildren arrived.  If any grandchild requested a unique Halloween costume or a custom-made toy created from one of their drawings, she made it.   If pants, jackets, skirts, or shirts needing hemming, she did it with love.  If an old book or a bible needed rebinding, she would make it like new. 

When her health began to falter, Wiley stayed by her side committed to caring for his sweetheart until his passing in July 2020.  Fulfilling her care became the job of her children, especially her daughter, Michelle.  Among her caregivers were several angels on Earth.  These amazing women including Laverne, Sephlyn, Treena, Linda, Rachel, Kim, Margo, and Waynette, as well as others, loved and cared for our family throughout a difficult journey.  Our gratitude for their kindness can not be expressed fully in words.

A few days before her passing, her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and friends were able to come visit her in her home.  Each spent time holding her hands, stroking her beautiful white hair, and telling her how much we loved her and appreciated her.  Jerrie was an amazing and beautiful woman.  She was quick to laugh, slow to upset, and could lighten up a room with her glorious smile.  Jerrie loved people. She made each person feel as though they had a special connection with her, because they did. She remembered your name, she remembered to ask about specific details of your life, and she made you know that you mattered to her. Simply put, Jerrie radiated the love of Christ to others. 

A celebration of Jerrie Martin’s life and legacy will be held Monday, December 30, 2024, with visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the Good Samaritan Funeral Home in Denver, NC followed by a graveside service at 11:30am at the Unity Presbyterian Church Cemetery located in Denver, NC.

The family wishes to express their immense gratitude, love, and appreciation for all the support they have received during this difficult time.   If desired, memorials may be made to:

Carolina Caring Hospice

3975 Robinson Road

Newton, NC 28658

(828) 466-0466

Or

Denver Baptist Church

6917 Forest Hills Dr

Denver, NC 28037