Elnora Watson Martin

Elnora Watson Martin, 86 of Hope Mills, North Carolina passed away in the home on Tuesday, September 27, 2022. Mrs. Martin was born on July 7, 1936 in Bladen County. She was kind, gentle, humble and known to many as the sweetest woman you could meet. She was the mother of eight children, whom she loved with everything, and wanted nothing more than to have all of them living right next to her. Mrs. Martin loved the Lord and often spoke about going to meet Jesus one day. It gives her family peace to know she is now basking in the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Mrs. Martin, our mom, can now take her rest and enjoy a new body, unrestricted by the afflictions of this world. She will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her. Rest easy our sweet mother, until we see you again!

Elnora Martin is preceded in death by her parents Melvin B. Watson, Sr. and Florence Watson of Hope Mills; husband Jessie Martin of Hope Mills; Brother Ralph Watson of Maryland; Son-in-law Dave Tenhoeve of Clayton, Daughter-in-law Pamela Ratley of Stedman, Granddaughter Brittany Jones of Stedman, Great Granddaughter Kadence Jones of Stedman; and recently her son, Bobby Hayes of Hope Mills.

She is survived by seven children:  Linda Faye Tenhoeve, Ruby Loughman (Tim), Carol Givens (Lynn), John Page (Shirley), Cecil Wade (Darlene), Augustus “Tommy” Ratley, and Charles Wade (Jeanne): 14 Grandchildren: David McCausley (Jennifer), Renee Tudor, Kristin McCausley, Victoria Melvin (Chris), Adam Loughman (Sarah), Brooke Loughman (Nate), Taylor Givens, Cody Givens, Amanda Mason, Joshua Mason, Christopher Ratley (Megan), Andrew Essex (Emily), Arron Essex (Erin), and Elise Wade. 19 Great Grandchildren. 7 Siblings: June Quandt (Chuck), Gwendolyn Russell, Melvin Watson (Phyllis), Betty Walker (Gerald), Douglas Watson (Sandy) and Ruth Byrne (Ricky). A host of nieces and nephews, other family members, church family, and friends.