Mrs. Frances Jane Shoemaker Martin

Mrs. Frances Jane Shoemaker Martin, age 94, of Guntersville, passed away Friday October 1, 2021 at Athens Health and Rehab. She was born July 31, 1927 to the late James Shoemaker and Edith Grace Turner Shoemaker in Birmingham, Alabama. She married F.B. Martin Jr. on November 13, 1947 in Docena, Alabama. She is survived by daughter, Angela Grace Martin Smith (Dillon); grandchildren, Michael James Smith and Eden Isabella Smith; multiple cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by husband, F.B. "Banny" Martin Jr.; parents, James Shoemaker and Edith Grace Turner Shoemaker; son, David Maston Martin; brother, James "Jimmy" Shoemaker. Visitation will be Thursday October 7, 2021 10am until 11am with the funeral service to follow all at Warrenton United Methodist Church in Guntersville, Alabama. Burial will be at Highland Memorial in Bessemer, Alabama. Frances Martin served alongside her husband, Pastor F.B. Martin, for several decades, in multiple counties across the state of Alabama. But she was so much more than just "the preachers wife". She was incredibly talented and gifted in many areas. Frances could sing with the voice of an angel, bringing a little bit of heaven to earth. With a few strokes, she could turn a blank canvas into a exquisite landscape. "Roast Beef Sunday" extended to "roast beef Monday" as her scrumptious cooking would make the best leftovers. She had an infectious humor and hearty laugh and could fill any room with her cheerful personality. Frances was the epitome of grace in all areas of life. Always daintily dressed with beautiful accessories, not a hair out of place, face made up enhancing her natural beauty and accentuating her magnificent smile. Her nails were perpetually shaped and painted with precision. She was every bit as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. She served and loved others and made them feel valued. Frances met strangers and the immediately became friends. She had friends from all generations. Parents, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have all experienced her soothing words of comfort, remarkable words of encouragement, and invaluable nuggets of wisdom and truth. When walking towards her, one would see arms opened and ready for a hug and walking away they would feel most important and precious. Frances Martin was a shining light, a beacon of hope pointing all people to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, inviting all to become a part of the family of God.

Mrs. Frances Jane Shoemaker Martin

July 31, 1927 - October 1, 2021