Betty Rollins Martin's Obituary
Mrs. Betty Rollins Martin, age 82, of Gastonia, NC, was surrounded by her family as she went beyond us to her eternal rest on Sunday, October 17, 2021.
A Celebration of Betty's life will be held 3:00 PM Friday, October 22, 2021, at Gaston Memorial Park, 1200 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia, NC, 28054, officiated by Pastor Matt Kuiken.
With family attending, Betty will lie in state on Thursday, October 21, 2021 in the H. Vann Davis III Memorial Chapel of Davis Funeral Service, 1003 E. Franklin St., Monroe, NC, 28112.
Betty was born November 13, 1938, in Gaston County, NC, a daughter of the late Yates Kendrick Rollins and Lillie Belle Clark Rollins. She attended Gaston County Public Schools. An honors graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, she majored in geography, and was mentored toward the field of city planning, but chose education as her career. Betty found her passion in sharing knowledge with others or trouncing us at Scrabble.
A career educator for the Gaston County School System, Betty provided her students with encouragement and guidance for over 40 years. Betty believed that all God's children are created in His image, and she concentrated her efforts on students in her region that were considered the most challenged and disadvantaged. Teaching at Rhyne, and H.H. Beam Elementary School, she was an integral part of remedial programs that brought many children back to or above their grade level. Using personal resources and incentives, she was well known as the teacher who recognized effort and excellence with a popcorn or pizza party. Many of her students stayed in touch after their time in her class, and she has been credited by many former students for their high school and college graduations, as well as their success in professional and personal goals.
Betty's care and commitment to those around her didn't stop when the school bell rang. She loved to cook and experiment with new recipes. Constantly calling to check in or cooking for anyone who was hungry, she continually focused her attention on the lives of others.
Her giving spirit blessed those who knew her, with a major exception being the time she spent playing bridge. This was the opportunity to see Betty as a fierce competitor; her mastery of declarer play, avoidance plays, hold ups, and perfectly timed throw-ins and simple squeezes was a force not to be taken lightly around the bridge table. Near her departure, she spoke often of those 2 tables of bridge-playing friends already waiting for her.
Above all else that made Betty memorable on this earth was her dedication to her Savior and her knowledge of God's word. She did not merely read scripture; she knew scripture and sought to better understand the Bible and practical life application throughout her walk in faith and relationship with Christ. She attributes Galatians 2:20 as her salvation verse: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Although those who love her will remember her warmly and miss her dearly, her impact on this earth continues, as her labor is complete, and her presence with our Lord is certain.
Left to cherish Betty's memory is her husband, William L. Martin Jr., her daughter, Dana Martin Davis (Rick), her daughter, Angela Dee Martin, her son, William L. Martin III, her sister, Kathy Peterson, her five grandchildren: Weston Davis, Corban Davis, Merrin Davis, Gabrielle Martin, and William Martin. Survivors also include numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by a brother, Yates Kendrick Rollins Jr.
Although flowers are appreciated, Betty's family requests donations to The Cathy Mabry Cloninger Center, Department of Health and Human Services
330 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Gastonia, NC 28052. More information can be found here: https://www.gastongov.com/government/departments/the_shelter_of_gaston_county_a_battered_women_s_residence_and_resource_center/donate.php
Davis Funeral Service is honored to be caring for Betty Martin. Please leave your remembrances and words of comfort on the tribute wall tab found at www.davisfuneralservice.com/obituary/Betty-Martin
What’s your fondest memory of Betty?
What’s a lesson you learned from Betty?
Share a story where Betty's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Betty you’ll never forget.
How did Betty make you smile?