Meriel Ailene Martin

Meriel Ailene Gibbs Martin, age 85, of the Greenlee Community, passed away into her heavenly home peacefully on Saturday, May 02, 2020 with her loved ones at her side at her residence.  The daughter of the late Ralph and Christina McDaniel Gibbs, Ailene was born in McDowell County, North Carolina on November 03, 1934.

She was preceded in death, in addition to her parents, her loving husband, Harold Dean Martin, who passed away on February 22, 2009; one brother, Dan Gibbs; and one sister, Johnsie Bartlett. 

Ailene served as Executive Secretary with Old Fort Finishing for several years.  She then owned and operated Martins Grocery and Personal Touch Florist; and later retired from Gibbs True Value Hardware in Old Fort.  Ailene who was a devoted Christian, attended Grace Community Church. She was a truly phenomenal lady who loved her family, especially her grandchildren and her pets. Ailene was known for her sense of humor, and always putting others before herself, she was always there for those in need.

She is survived by one daughter, Julia Christina Martin Rerych of Old Fort; one son, Fred Alexander Martin (Vicki) of Old Fort; one brother, Frank “Butch” Gibbs (Ava) of Old Fort; three grandchildren, Joshua Pyatt, Ella Grace Martin and Kathryn Anne Martin; and one great granddaughter, Italya Pyatt.

A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Martin will be held on Thursday, May 07, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service in Marion with Pastor Jerry Lewis and Pastor Tim Lolley officiating.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the funeral home.

A private interment will be held at Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain.

Flowers are acceptable and appreciated.  Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Martin’s memory are asked to consider, Grace Community Church-Preschool, 5182 US Highway 70 West, Marion, North Carolina 28752.