Helen Martin

Helen L. Franklin Martin, 80, Kingsport, went home to be with the Lord on Friday morning March 8, 2013 at Indian Path Medical Center following a brief illness.

She was born in Washington County, TN on September 15, 1932, a daughter of the late Arthur and Eliza Baldwin Franklin and has resided in this area her entire life.

Helen was a homemaker and a member of Pleasant View Baptist Church.

She will be remembered as a loving and devoted mom, mamaw Martin and friend who loved her family and her pets.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Buster H. Martin 2000; one son, Johnny R. Martin 1988; sisters, Eula Poore and Maude Haynes; brothers, Arthur Franklin, Albert Franklin and Mack Franklin; and stepmother, Nola Franklin.

Survivors include her special friend, Richard Baines of Fall Branch; two sons, Bill Biles and wife Judy of Johnson City, Robert B. "Radar" Martin and wife Lynda of Kingsport; four granddaughters, Tia Biles, Sallie Biles, Jennifer Martin Stacey and husband Josh, and Erica Martin; several nieces and nephews; and special pet "Maggie".

Special thank you is extended by the family to the staff at Indian Path Medical Center ICU.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Pleasant View Baptist Church. Services will be held at 4 p.m. with Pastor Wayne Baker officiating.

In lieu of flowers, make memorial contributions to Pleasant View Baptist Church, 2101 Stadium Drive, Kingsport, TN 37664.