Alpha Hamilton Martin, age 87 died Saturday, December 31, 2016 at White Oak Manor in Kings Mountain. Born in Rutherford County on November 12, 1929 she was the daughter of the late Joseph Shotwell and Luna Mae Sparks Martin. Alpha attended Ellenboro Presbyterian Church. She moved to Lexington Virginia with her late husband Sommer Douglas and together they owned Craft Plus. Alpha was a religious person who believed in God. She loved animals, enjoyed needlepoint, ceramics and quilting. In addition to her parents and husband, Alpha is preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters.

Alpha is survived by three sons, Robert Whisnant Jr. of Shelby Joseph Whisnant and wife Dale of Ellenboro, and Phillip Whisnant of Clarksville Va.; a daughter, Lynn Porter and husband Cecil of Jacksonville, Fl.; a sister, Ruth Padgett of Ellenboro; five step children, ten grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Memorials can be made to; Ellenboro Presbyterian Church, 306 Main Street, Ellenboro, NC 28040.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mrs. Martin

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com