Norma Webb Martin

Norma Webb Martin, 83, of rural Vienna, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017, at 6:30 a.m. at her home.

She was born on April 11, 1933, at the family home near Tunnel Hill. She was the fourth child born to Ray and Golda Hankla Webb.

On April 8, 1950, she married David Martin at Tunnel Hill. He preceded her in death on July 9, 2010.

She is survived by her children, Mickey Finch of Anna, Neil (his wife, Kim) Martin of Vienna and Eric (his wife, Jeanne) Martin of St. Louis; 8 grandchildren, Michelle Hodges, Nathan (his wife, Misty) Hodges, Brandon Martin, Kisten (Weston Wilke) Martin, Dustin Martin, Daniel Martin, Julia Martin and Lily Martin; four great-grandchildren, Camden Hodges, Taj Hodges, Quincy Hodges and Easton Wilke; her brothers, Kenneth (his wife, Edith) Webb, Glenn (his wife, Phyllis) Webb and Phil (his wife, Cara) Webb, all of Tunnel Hill; her sisters, Elaine (her husband, Reggie) Romine of Danville, Jean Phillips of Tunnel Hill and Charlene (her husband, Dale) Hodge of Goreville; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Cord Finch; a brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Edna Ann Webb; and a sister and brother-in-law, Myra and Harley Throgmorton.

She was a 1950 graduate of the Goreville High School. She also attended Shawnee Community College. During her working career, she was employed as a bookkeeper at both the Goreville Grade and High Schools and as a sales person at the A.B.C. Children’s Shop and Hodges Furniture Store, both in Vienna.

She was very civic minded and encouraged others to give time and support to their communities. She volunteered her time to many endeavors and served her community in a variety of capacities.

She was a longtime member of the Johnson County Homemaker’s Extension, as well as the Johnson County Women’s Club, serving as club president for 11 years. She also was a member of the “Vivacious Vienna Red Hat” society.

She encouraged all youth to pursue a good education and participated in many organizations which supported students, cultural events and learning. She served for 21 years as a member of the Vienna High School Board of Education. She was a passionate advocate for the students of Vienna High School.

She was a woman of deep faith and Christian charity. She was a lifelong member of the Community of Christ Church near Tunnel Hill and was an ordained elder. She spent many years teaching the young children’s Sunday School class at the church. She loved decorating her home, cooking, raising flowers, gardening, and playing Scrabble and “Words with Friends” on her iPad. She also loved reading, writing, shopping, quilting and going to rummage sales. She enjoyed watching her children’s and grandchildren’s sports, choir, band and other school activities. 

She was known for the letters and cards she sent to encourage and uplift family, friends and anyone she thought she could help. 

She had her opinions but tried to listen openly to others (even if she disagreed). She loved mentoring young people and loved watching their sports activities, but she wanted them to be open to learning about the arts and culture. She was also a dedicated volunteer at the Goreville Ministerial Alliance Thrift Store.

She was a strong, kind, intelligent, honest, loving person with a quick wit and a great sense of humor. She was devoted to her family and cherished the time she spent with them. She had many friends who admired and loved her. She will be fondly remembered for her kind and gracious manner and selfless dedication to her community.

A service honoring the life of Mrs. Martin was conducted Monday, Jan. 16, at 10:30 a.m. at the Community of Christ Church. Dr. Glenn Webb officiated. Interment was in the Webb Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to the Community of Christ Church, c/o Phil Webb, 5140 Tunnel Hill Rd., Tunnel Hill, Ill. 62972; the Johnson County Women’s Club (Scholarship Fund), c/o Faye Mize, 79 Hilltop Ln., Simspon, Ill. 62985; or the Brush Creek Campground, 464 County Highway 18, Xenia, Ill. 62899.

To share a memory or to leave an online message of condolence for her family, visit www.baileyfh.com.

Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna was in charge of arrangements.