Mildred Martin

Mildred was born to the late John Tarlton and Martha Chapman-Tarlton on December 28,1931 in Chesterfield SC. She passed away at the home of her eldest daughter Karen Williams on 12 April 2023 Mildred was born into a family of 14 children, 9 girls and 5 boys. She was 8th in order of birth and was a twin to Hildred, her brother who passed shortly after his birth. Family members that preceded her in death are her beloved husband Richard Martin, her youngest daughter Monica Martin, sisters; Althea Marshall, Beatrice Malloy, Myrtle Sellers, Lucille Hawkins, LeVerta Turnage and Eloise Stanley and her brothers; Hildred Tarlton, Prentiss Tarlton, Kenneth Tarlton, Spofford Tarlton and John T Tarlton. Mildred grew up on a farm with her siblings and like them, had to complete chores each day prior to going to school. She milked cows, fed chickens and chopped wood for the days heat. She gave her life to Christ at an early age and joined St James AME church in Chesterfield SC, the church founded by her great grandfather James McCleod. The church is where she attended elementary school followed by attending Chesterfield High School from which she graduated. Mildred was loved by many due to her sweet and loving heart, warm personality and also she was petite and cute as a button. When growing up many people took an interest in her, she would get invited to spend nights and sometimes a week with various family friends and members of the community. While attending high school one of her teachers took her to stay for a week. She loved them and they loved her. After finishing high school one of her teachers helped her in securing a free ride to a Christian School in North Carolina where he worked. Mildred moved to Alexandria Virginia where she secured a secretarial position at Parker Gray school. Mildred met the love of her life Richard Martin in Alexandria VA and they married on June 3,1961 in the church where she was working as church secretary. To this union 4 children were born Karen, Darlene, Earl and Monica. Mildred was a military spouse and traveled with her husband to Germany twice during his career. Once her youngest daughter Monica was of school age, Mildred took a position with the military’s Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) where she worked various positions, earning many employee awards and making lifelong friends like Barbara Parham, Virginia Matthews and Mrs. Rucker. Mildred retired from her position in the late 1980’s once she had her first grandchild. Spending time with her grandchildren was the joy of her life, they meant the world to her and her loving nature endeared her to them. She shared the same love with her great-grandchildren. Mildred’s love of family was always in her heart. Even in her failing health, which came on very suddenly, she still reminded family members who visited her that “God taught us to love each other.” They wholeheartedly agreed. Let us not forget her words of wisdom. She closed her eyes for the last time in the presence of family, knowing she was loved and filled with the outpouring of love she received from family and friends who visited, called, sent cards and flowers and prayers on her behalf. Mildred leaves to cherish her memory her children Karen Williams, Darlene Wallace (Henry) and Earl Martin. Sisters Mary Frances Carter and Brenda Tarlton. Grandchildren Alan Martin, Darryle Martin, Brittany Martin, Briona Williams, Brandon Williams, Davena Anderson and Dominique Martin. Great grandchildren Elijah Ward, Jamori’ Steel, Darryle Jr, Miciah Martin, Solana Bennett, Makayla Martin, Darius Martin, Bryson Hooks and Nasir Martin. She also leaves behind a cherished and loving host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

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Mildred Martin

December 28, 1931 - April 12, 2023