Florence E. Martin

FLORENCE E. MARTIN Florence E. Martin, 85, of Oakwood, passed away at 5:00 a.m. Monday, December 20th, 2010 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Florence was born on January 27th, 1925 in Urbana, Illinois, the daughter of Charles and Lutie (Halberstadt) Hilderbrand. She was previously married to Donald E. Martin for several years and had six children from this marriage. She is survived by two daughters- Marietta (Michael) West of Danville and Suzanne McCarthy of Danville; two sons- Harlan (Sharon) Martin of Danville and Charles G. (Brenda) Martin of Oakwood; eight grandchildren- Ed (Jeannie) Martin of Springfield, Illinois, Shelly Knee of Oakwood, Troy (Jessie) West of Danville, Tracy (Brian) Ross of Spring, Texas, Joseph (Kristi) George of Oakwood, Christopher Martin of Oakwood, Craig Sullivan of Danville and Kelly (Jason) Neither of Danville; 18 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins and her two beloved cats- Callico and Sassy. She was preceded in death by her parents, two daughters- Juanita Joanne Martin and Tracy Lynette Martin, son-in-law- Jim McCarthy, four brothers- Charles E., William F., Jesse E. and Lewis A. Hilderbrand and a sister- Alice Stevenson. Florence graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1942 and she attended her high school reunions every year. After high school, she graduated from Utterback-Brown Business College. She worked as a secretary at Agrico Fertilizer Company, Oakwood High School, Solo Cup Factory and retired from First Baptist Church in Danville. She was a member of First Baptist Church and Lydias Ladies Circle at the church. Florence loved to sing and play the piano, especially at the church. She enjoyed reading her bible, gardening, painting, bowling and spending time with her cats. She was an avid Illini and Wheel of Fortune fan. Most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends. A Celebration of the life of Florence E. Martin will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 23rd, 2010 at First Baptist Church, with Pastor Jerry Cummins. Burial will follow the service in Sunset Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, a Life Celebration Home, 3940 North Vermilion Street, Danville, Illinois 61834. Memorials may be made to the Danville Humane Society, Vermilion County Animal Shelter and First Baptist Church Missionary Fund. Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.