Mary Neal Martin's Obituary
Tennessee Tenant
Born to Wilson Scoggins and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Howell in Hartsville, Tennessee, in 1923, Mary Neal became a part of a close-knit family. As parents of three daughters, Mary Neal, Alla Mae and Betty as well as one son, Jack, Wilson and Lizzie created a loving home where family always came first. The same family values were maintained when Mary Neal built a rich home life with the love of her life, Waverly Earl Martin in Nashville, Tennessee.
Happy Homemaker
The kitchen was in daily use as Mary enjoyed making family favorites – roast, mashed potatoes, skillet meat loaf and her personal favorite, pineapple ice cream. She would offer to make any visitor a tuna fish sandwich that she chose to pair with fruit tea.
Grand Mother
Mary Neal cherished her two children, a boy and a girl, Larry and Patricia.
Patricia was not fond of practicing piano when she was taking lessons. In order to encourage more practice sessions, Mary would place dimes on the piano that became the property of her daughter after a practice session – dimes went much farther in those days!
There was no doubt Mary adored children. She was always involved in some capacity, whether as a Cub Scout leader, the proverbial soccer mom, or ensuring that baseball practice was never missed.
At family gatherings an observer couldn’t help grinning while watching her as she would get down on the floor to play in earnest with her great-grandchildren.
Spending time with family was a top priority for her.
Nurturer of Nature
Even strays were treated well in the Martin household. Slim, a stray adopted by the family, was accustomed to being spoiled with meat trimmings from Mary’s kitchen. One day his treat was completely over-the-top – young Patricia mistakenly served the wrong bowl of food to him – the family had vegetables minus the roast beef for supper that night!
The care of plants and flowers was a labor of love to Mary. Every spring she would purchase and hang two ferns. She coaxed vines to entwine the birdbath. Though she loved nature, she could not abide any bugs, mice or moles – their days were numbered when Mary was in charge. It was common knowledge that if Kmart sold the product, she bought it to deter the nasty little critters.
Crafty
Mary knew what she liked when it came to fashion. She didn’t hesitate to change the length of a sleeve or add a placket to a dress to better compliment her diminutive figure. A skilled seamstress, Mary created one-of-a-kind dresses for her little girl to proudly wear for Easter. Her talent was apparent and greatly appreciated when she knit afghans for everyone in the family. She enjoyed knitting until her eyesight deteriorated.
Hostess with the ‘Mostess’
Mary could melt any heart with her vivacious personality and endearing smile. Working hard did not prevent her from keeping her nails freshly polished. A friendly hostess, she took great pride in being very open and hospitable.
Mary made sure that each of the grandkids had their favorite food served at family gatherings: peanut butter fudge, boiled custard, hay stacks, potato salad, home made ice cream, chocolate chess pie, punch, pecan squares, sweet pickles and baked beans. Family members treasure all her recipes, especially those in her own handwriting like the one labeled ‘Mama Neal’s Meatloaf’.
“Done Good”
As a member of Eastwood Christian Church since the mid 1950’s, Mary did her best to model Christian beliefs which she shared with children, particularly when she assisted teaching Sunday School. She was devoted to everyone in the family and was always willing and ready to do more than her share. When her sister Alla Mae was ill, Mary brought her into her home to care for her. When her own health began to suffer, Mary persevered - she would comment “it’s hell to get old”! Mary did not lose her sense of humor – when she called her daughter, the message she left was “This is Mary Martin checking in.” She was delighted to discover that she could be self sufficient for thirty years after her husband died. She was satisfied and content with her life when she said “You know, I think I’ve done pretty good!”
Legacy
A lifelong resident of Nashville, Tennessee, Mary Neal Martin succumbed to complications of meningitis at the age of 89. Mary Neal was predeceased by her parents, Wilson Arrington Scoggins and Elizabeth Wyllie (Lizzie) Howell, her husband, Waverly Earl Martin (1982), her brother Jack Scoggins and sister Alla Mae Sparcy. She is survived by her son Larry Earl (Cheryl) Martin, daughter Patricia Elizabeth Martin, sister Betty Malone, grandchildren Lisa Mathews, Les Martin, Bradley Martin, Jeff Martin and great grandchildren Zach Morgan, Shelby Mathews, Sam Mathews, Elliana Scott, Ethan Martin, Livian Martin, Hailey Martin, and Jax Martin.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?