Francine Ariail “Keta” Martin, age 94, of Cornelia, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 1, 2024, at her home.
Mrs. Martin was born on September 15, 1929, in Cornelia, Georgia, to the late Dewitt and Eula Corine Ballew Ariail. She was a devoted member of the Habersham Church of Christ, where she served faithfully as a Sunday School Teacher for over 50 years. A proud graduate of Piedmont College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. Her natural talent as a homemaker shone brightly in her devotion to her family. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and love, where she crafted beautiful wedding cakes for many couples, adding a special touch to their joyous celebrations. Keta’s life was a testament to her roles as a dedicated wife, a wonderful mother, and a precious grandmother and great-grandmother. Her family was the center of her world, and she leaves behind a tapestry of love and memories that will be cherished forever.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, David M. Martin, Sr.; daughter, Cindy Martin; sister and brother-in-law, Jean A. and Claude V. Barnes; brother, William T. Ariail; brother and sister-in-law, Horace D. and Martha Ariail; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Andrew P. and Maryann Martin; mother-in-law, Edith M. Selph.
Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Edie and Bill Floyd, of Chattanooga, TN, and Amy and Bill Smith, of Hartwell; son and daughter-in-law, David Martin, Jr. and Traca Martin, of Nashville, TN; grandchildren Will Smith and Mari, Ben Smith and Leah, Amy Floyd, Andy Floyd, Morgan Kent, and Conner; great-grandchildren Truet Smith, Titus Smith, Palmer Smith, Clayton Allen, Oakley Kent, and Jackson Kent; and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to her long-time caregivers, Tina, Pam, Brenda, and Terry, as well as Hospice of Northeast Georgia.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, with Ron Cope, Scott Davis, and Brady Betterton officiating. Interment will follow in the Yonah Memorial Gardens, where Martin Davis will officiate.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at the funeral home prior to the service.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to North Georgia Bible Camp, 317 Flowers Drive, Blairsville, Georgia 30512.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel, at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.
