Mrs. Lillian Shirley Foster Martin was born September 14, 1936 in Spindale, NC to the late Eddie "Whitt" and Gertrude Foster. She departed this life on November 30, 2011. Lillian was educated in the public schools in Rutherford County. She attended Livingstone College and graduated from North Carolina College at Durham, NC (NCCU) with a BS degree in Biology. Lillian also studied at the School of the Arts in Winston-Salem and received a BS degree in Education from Appalachian State University. While attending North Carolina College she met and later married John H. Martin, Jr. and to this beautiful union of 53 years, they added three children, Vanessa, Chris, and Deidra.

Lillian began her teaching career in Warren County, NC and taught there for three years. She went on to teach in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Public School System for the next 28 years. Mrs. Martin ended her teaching career at South Park High School where she received many awards and accolades for her outstanding work in special education. "Lil" Martin was loved and respected by both staff and students. She had many lifelong friendships with her co-workers and former students. "Lil" was a member of United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. She enjoyed serving on the Hospitality and Ambassadress Ministry and tutoring in the after school tutorial program.

Although teaching and hospitality were truly her passions, family was always her first love. "Lil" was in her element when hosting family dinners, cookouts, and holiday gatherings for close friends. "Little Lillian", as she was affectionately called by her family growing up, always took time to return to her beloved hometown to reconnect, and rekindle lifelong relationships. She often brought her husband, children, and friends home; sharing the Spindale Experience with all who would make the drive.

"Little Lillian" was the youngest of eight children and was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Admiral B., Percy, and Edward Foster (Lucille); sisters, Corrie F. (Curtis) Jernigan and Margaret F. Camp; and her grandson, Jason Fisher.

Lillian leaves a rich legacy that will live on in the hearts of her devoted husband, John H. Martin, Jr.; daughters, Vanessa Martin Fisher of Winston-Salem, NC and Deidra M. Cherry (Dwayne) of Richmond, VA; her son, Reverend Christopher S. Martin (Wynette) of Winston-Salem, NC; sister, Mary Virginia Williams of Philadelphia, PA; brother, Caldwell Patrick Foster (Shirley) of Dayton, OH; five grandchildren, Ryan K. Martin, Terrell W. Martin, Jasmine D. Fisher, Chaz M. Cherry, and Micayla C. Martin; sisters-in-law, Kathleen Foster, Georgia Mae Foster, Shirley Foster, Carol Martin, and Juanita Martin; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm Monday, December 5, 2011 at United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1pm on Monday at the Church.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that you send donations to Hospice and Palliative Care, 101 Hospice Lane W-S, NC 27103 or the Derrick L. Davis Regional Cancer Center, 1010 Bethesda Ct. Winston-Salem, NC 27103.