Carolyn Martin

Carolyn Fay Martin, 56, passed away Thursday, Oct. 11, 2001, at the home of a daughter in Cape Girardeau, following a lengthy battle with cancer.

She was born Jan. 2, 1945, in Hickman, Ky., to James Walter and Gladys Ruth Nichols Chilton.

Carolyn graduated from Charleston High School in 1964 and started her family in 1966. She devoted the next 14 years to raising her children and providing childcare in her home.

She worked at Swenson's Ice Cream Shop from 1980-85. She then went to work at Wal-Mart in Cape Girardeau where she had worked the last 16 years.

Carolyn is one of the most loving, caring and giving mothers, grandmothers, and mothers-in-law. She was able to see kindness and good in everyone she met. She never tried to impress anyone with material things, rather she inspired people with a smile, hug and kind words.

She believed in living life to its fullest and was happiest when she was gardening or working in the yard. For the last two years she had been active in raising money for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Mom will always live in the hearts of everyone who knew her.

She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Kim and Mark Hanners of Cape Girardeau, Cabrina and Tracy Messmer of Fruitland, Mo.; a brother, Richard Chilton of New Orleans, La.; five sisters, Barbara Busby of Florissant, Mo., Margie Washburn of East Prairie, Mo., Janey Church of Union City, Tenn., Susan Campbell of Memphis, Tenn., Debbie Rankin of Jefferson City, Mo.; three grandchildren, Jessi Yarbro, Chris Messmer and Kayla Messmer; precious dog Mollie and granddog Ben.

Visitation will be Saturday, Oct. 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Sam Ramdial officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Jim Church, Mark Rankin, Harvey Washer, Mike Brown, Jim Hanners and Dale Warren. Honorary bearer will be Gene Polk.

Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society.