Eleanor Gowen Martin

Eleanor Gowen Martin, 90, of the Tye River Community, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.

Eleanor was born June 23, 1934, in Nelson, VA to the late Thomas Franklin Gowen and Lola Gowen Bryant.

Eleanor worked as a seamstress before accepting a position as a teacher’s aide with Nelson County Public Schools. As soon as her day in the classroom was over, she would board her school bus and begin her evening route, as she also served as a bus driver for the school system. Eleanor was a member of St. Stephen’s Baptist Church and took on many roles, especially in the church kitchen. 

Of all the roles Eleanor had, “Mama” and “Nannie” were her favorites. She loved her family and never missed an opportunity to spend time with them. Especially when it came to taking care of her grandchildren. Eleanor was the true matriarch of her family. 

In addition to her parents, Eleanor is preceded in death by her soulmate and loving husband of 73 years, Garland Keith Martin; 3 sisters, Othello McAlister, Barbara Hudson, and Phyllis Strickler; and a brother, Thomas Franklin Gowen Jr.

She is survived by two daughters, Cindy Martin and Nita Cindrick (Larry); grandson, Jason Martin (Felicia); granddaughter Jordan Taylor (Andrew); seven great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and a sister, Jean Scruggs.

A service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at St. Stephen’s Baptist Church with Pastor Mickey Ryan officiating. 

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Amanda Kocher, Carla Wagner, and the rest of the nurses/staff at Fairmont Crossing for their loving and personal care. 

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Stephen’s Baptist Church Cemetery c/o JoAnn Bryant 2962 Boxwood Farm Road, Amherst, Virginia 24521.

Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).