Norma Martin

Norma Louise Armstrong Martin, 99, of Ash Flat died January 1, 2020, in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was born August 11, 1920, to Ella Bristow and Seessel Bryan Armstrong. She was a 1939 graduate of Ash Flat High School and married her husband of 52 years, Dr. Orvis Guy Martin, on November 11, 1944, after his return from World War II. The couple then moved to New Orleans while he attended Loyola Dental School. They subsequently lived in Sheridan and North Little Rock before moving back to Ash Flat upon retirement. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, gracious homemaker, avid reader and talented artist, painter, seamstress and quilter. She was active in her community and church, contributing to the publication of Ash Flat History as a member of the Ash Flat Historical Society. She was a long-term member of PEO, Chapter Y, and was recognized as the oldest living member at their state convention. She was a strong, witty, kind, gracious, and creative presence in the lives of her family and friends. Preceding her in death were her husband, Dr. Orvis Guy Martin; son, Dr. Michael Guy Martin; sister, Betty Jacqueline Armstrong Freeman; brother, Charles Dean Armstrong; brother-in-law, Ray Martin; and her parents. Survivors include her daughter, Cynthia Martin Haley of Little Rock; son, Charles Ray Martin and his wife, Barbara Jean, of Poughkeepsie; niece, Nancy Foley and her husband Dale of Evening Shade; sister-in-law, Evelyn Martin of Ash Flat, and sister-in-law, Mary Jo Armstrong of Spruce Pine, NC. "Granmommie" is also survived by six grandchildren: Dr. Amy Martin Scurlock, Meredith Martin, and Anna Holmes Coleman of Little Rock, Dr. Cade Martin of Jonesboro, Taylor Martin of Savannah, GA and Samuel Martin of Minneapolis, MN. Six great-grandchildren survive her: John Ross, Caroline Preston, and Michael Henry Scurlock, Ella Arden Coleman, Hayes Michael and Margaret Jane Martin. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, January 5, 2020, at Tri-County Funeral Home in Highland, Arkansas. Funeral services will be immediately following at 2:00 p.m. with Johnny Carter officiating. Burial will be at Old Baptist Cemetery in Ash Flat. Memorials may be made to John H. Haley Scholarship Fund, Arkansas Community Foundation, 5 Allied Drive, Ste. 51110, Bldg. 5. Little Rock, AR 72202.