Phyllis Martin

Grace Phyllis Martin, 86, went home to be with the Lord and to dance again with her husband, Clarence E. "Bud" Martin, on Thursday, January 9, 2014. Phyllis and Bud were married November 5, 1955, and have four children who are grateful for the wisdom, love, dedication and legacy entrusted to them. Phyllis is survived by her two daughters, Kathryn L. Dawkins and Carol E. Martin, step-daughter Karen L. Kurzcynski, her two sons, Lawrence N. Martin and wife Sandy, and Robert M. Martin and wife Jean Elizabeth, who will forever miss her ability to lend a patient and compassionate ear to the troubles of life, as well as her steadiness, persistence, caring, and guidance. Also loving her into Heaven are nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and brother Robert Franklin Landel and wife Aurora. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Carlisle O. and Grace Elizabeth McEachren Landel; her husband, Clarence E. "Bud" Martin, Jr.; brother Carlisle Oscar Landel; and sister Catherine L. Snyder. Phyllis was a member of Francis Asbury United Methodist Church. She and Bud were former proprietors of the Whispering Pines Motel, Smokey Park Highway, and the Silent Pines Mobile Home Park in Candler. A memorial service will be held at 3:30 P.M. on Sunday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue, with the Rev. Veranita Alvord officiating. Private interment will be at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Francis Asbury United Methodist Church, PO Box 67, Candler, NC 28715. A meal will be served at Francis Asbury United Methodist Church starting at 5:30 P.M.