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Elene Conner Martin

Elene Conner Martin of Lattimore, educator, and lover of children, passed away peacefully at home on March 7, 2022.

Three months shy of her 101st birthday, she was surrounded by family and loved ones. Elene is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years T.W. "Casey" Martin, an infant son Julius Martin, and beloved granddaughter Elizabeth Elene ("Betsy") Martin.

Elene is survived by her loving family, a son, Tom Martin (Mimi) of Shelby, a daughter, Susan Martin (Alan) of Winston Salem, a grandson Alex Martin (Stephanie), and great-grandson Thomas Brent Martin of Shelby. She also is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.

Born June 7, 1921, in Gaston County, she was preceded in death by her parents Merton and Georgia Dellinger Conner and her younger siblings Kenneth Conner and Margaret Ruth Conner Wehunt. She grew up on the family farm and at the age of 16 graduated from North Brook High School. The first of her family to graduate from college, she received her undergraduate (1941) and master's degrees in education (1977) from Appalachian State University.

She embodied the word "teacher" whether she was in the classroom or at church. The majority of her 39 teaching years were at Lattimore Elementary School where she inspired and was loved by her many students and colleagues. Her exemplary teaching career included being named Cleveland County Teacher of the Year in 1979. She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society among other teaching organizations.

A beloved member of Lattimore Baptist Church, she was a member of the Willing Hearts Sunday School class. A shining example of service and leadership, she was active in many church areas. She made it a habit to encourage the youth of the church and especially loved working with "Her Girls" (Girls In Action), many of whom kept in touch through the years. She also enjoyed trips and fellowship with the Lattimore Happy Hearts seniors' group. A lover of sports, she and her husband Casey were enthusiastic supporters of all the Gardner-Webb, Wake Forest and Appalachian athletic teams, personally attending many home and away games.

Beside growing children, she was an avid gardener. She enjoyed nothing more than working in the garden, putting up vegetables, and raising flowers. Her "Mama Green Beans" were a culinary delight. After she retired, she and Casey loved to travel and enjoyed many trips which included visiting 48 states and parts of Europe. But her favorite destination was the yearly family vacation to Sunset Beach. She loved the water, sand and playing with her grandchildren. In her later years, she loved to watch and identify the birds that flocked to her well-stocked birdfeeders.

Elene was blessed to be cared for by her beloved Angels, the caregivers who looked after her in her later years. Her family will be forever grateful for the love and outstanding care provided by these ladies that so enriched her final years. The family would also like to thank all her dear friends and family who have kept in touch. It has meant so much to her and to us.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 10th at 2:00, at Lattimore Baptist Church, conducted by the Reverends Buddy Morehead and Max Burgin. A reception of friends with light refreshments will follow in the Church fellowship hall.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Lattimore Baptist Church in her honor; Lattimore Baptist Church, PO. Box 188, Lattimore, NC 28089.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com


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