Cottie Martin

Cottie Inez Martin, 89, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother, passed from our arms to the embrace of her Savior, peacefully, on Monday, January 25, 2010 at the Medical College of Virginia, in Richmond. The daughter of William Allie Griffin, Sr. and Martha Jane Sawyer, Inez was born in Edenton, NC., in the warm, fertile "low country," famous for its home-cooking, hearty hospitality and love of God and family. Inez reflected those values all her life. She was a pillar of strength, zealous in her devotion to what she believed and to those whom she loved. She kept her sense of humor to the very end and her last act of life was to reach out her arms to embrace a family member. Inez was married to the late Clarence T. Martin. She worked for Defense General Supply, Bellwood, and later was a devoted caregiver to the children at The Children's House Daycare. She served on the Bensley Rescue Squad Ladies Auxiliary, and was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mrs. Martin is survived by two daughters, Linda Martin Sirles, and, husband Melvin, Jane Martin Six, and husband Frank; six grandchildren Steven Sirles, and wife Theresa, Anita Sirles Davis, and husband Clifford, Wendy Sirles, and fiancé Deo Jones, Bryan Six, and wife Kathleen, Lisa Six Gunn, and husband Roman, Darren Six; eight great grandchildren, Connie Sirles, Curtis Sirles, and wife Cate, Kristin Sirles Ramirez, and husband Elias, Elizabeth Six, Connor and Madison Gunn, Nicholas and Maya Sirles; four great great-grandchildren, Alexis, Julie and Lily Ramirez, Ava Sirles, as well as a sister-in-law, Nettie Martin; and devoted friends, Buster Sirles, Ruth Kreger, and Clara Evans. Thanks go to the staff and volunteers at the Thomas Palliative Center and nurses and staff of the MCV 10th Main East floor. We have given Inez back to God, but she will always be with us. A funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 501 Compton Ave., Colonial Heights Va. 23834. Interment Sunset Memorial Park Chester Va. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Thomas Palliative Center Fund. P.O. Box 980214, Richmond, Va. 23298. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.