Virle (Toney) Martin

Virle Dulette Toney Martin passed away on September 18, 2019 at Atrium Health-Cleveland in Shelby, NC.  She suffered a short illness and died from the ravages of pancreatic cancer.  She was born in Rutherford County, and was a daughter of the late Robert Glen Toney and Cora Green Toney. Virle (Sis to her family) graduated from East Rutherford High School and attended Western Carolina University.  Among her work places were Eastern Airlines, Ellenboro Upholstery Supply and the Forest City Daily Courier.  She was a talented artist and has paintings of historic structures on display in Bethel Baptist Church in Ellenboro, the former Ellenboro Presbyterian Church, the Ellenboro Woman's Club building, and in the homes of many family members and friends.  She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and established a legacy of voluntarily helping others in the community.  An avid NC State fan, she loved horses and dogs and leaves behind Billy Budd and Cherokee, as well as, Bebe and Buster.  She is remembered for her fun-loving spirit, her ready smile and laughter, and her delicious banana pudding.

Survivors include her husband of forty eight years, John Harrill Martin, Sr. of the home; her sons and their wives, John Harrill Martin, Jr. and Holly of Chapel Hill, NC and Michael Scott Martin and Kelly of Fairport, NY.  She leaves behind three beautiful grandchildren, Garrett, Ruby, and Raleigh Martin.  She is also survived by her twin brother, Sherrill Toney (Bud) and wife Ann; four sisters, Doris Anderson, Ruth Conder and husband Bill Gibson, Joyce Forbes and husband Bob, and Grace Toney Edwards and husband John Nemeth.  Eight nieces and nephews, and seven great nieces and nephews, also mourn the loss of their Aunt Sis.  Other grieving family members include sisters-in-law JoAnn Martin and Becky Parton and family.  In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by her sister, Lucille Luckadoo.

Funeral services will be held 2 pm Saturday, September 21, 2019 at Bethel Baptist Church in Ellenboro with Rev. Michael Sepaugh officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 pm Saturday in the Family Life Center of the Church.  A memorial fund for The "V" Foundation for Cancer Research has been established in her honor, V.org/virlemartin.

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