Anna L. Martin

Heaven gained a vibrant and blessed soul, as Mrs. Anna Martin joined hands with her beloved husband in Heaven, she leaves behind a life beautifully created with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, friends, and loved ones.

Mrs. Anna Melton Martin was born on August 25, 1939, to Virgie Barnett and William Melton near Tallulah, Louisiana. She passed away on July 27, 2021, at the age of 81.

Mrs. Martin was currently residing in Mountain View, Missouri, near her daughter Tina Woolsey and son-in-law Doug, with her grandson Dennis and family just across the way.

She was married to Reverend Bill Martin on August 22, 1959, and to this union three sons and two daughters were born.

She is survived by her children Tina Woolsey and husband Doug of Mountain View, Missouri; Bill Martin Jr. and wife Sherry of Mountain View; Vickie Treece and husband Charles E. Treece of Texarkana; Bobby Martin and wife Tina of Spring Hill, Florida; Barry Martin and wife Ginger of Topeka, Kansas.

Ms. Anna was the daughter of a strong Christian woman from Louisiana and her story would lead her to become a pastor’s wife. Anna and Bill spent their early years together in Shreveport, Louisiana, where they met as she described her suitor as her “sailor man” she shared in a book to her children. Bill served in the U.S. Navy and the couple were photographed over the years, with captions describing moments captured during his time on leave. They are pictured in black and white with vibrant smiles that show their love for one another throughout the chapters of both of their lives.  Bill and Anna accepted Jesus as their Savior in  March of 1971 at Bible Baptist Church in Shreveport.   They were pictured serving together in a Sunday school camp in 1973 and a Sweetheart banquet for their church in 1972.  Together they enjoyed hobbies like bowling, as they played together in a local league in Shreveport in which they were members for over ten years. The couple served at Seminole Baptist Temple while attending Bible Baptist College in 1975 in Springfield, Missouri.  Together, the couple started their first mission work here, in Summersville, Missouri, with the start of Fundamental Bible Baptist Church and Christian School.

In 1980, Anna had the opportunity to travel to Germany with her mother and visit missionary friends. She traveled to a variety of cities in the United States with her daughter Tina. One of her favorite cities to visit was Washington D.C.

Anna enjoyed spending time traveling, reading, and watching movies.  She loved the classics in both music and arts. She spent the winters in Florida with her son Bobby Martin and wife Tina.  She traveled to Texarkana, Texas, to spend time with her daughter Vickie Treece and husband Eddie, then on to Louisiana to have adventures with her sister and siblings. She also traveled to Topeka, Kansas, to enjoy time with her son Barry Martin and wife Ginger.  Anna was committed  to staying connected to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She had a heart for shopping and an eye for always finding that perfect gift.

She enjoyed travelling home to see family and friends in Louisiana where the couple had enjoyed Cajun music and food. Shrimp and crawfish were some of her favorites.

Anna’s grace and love for her family abounded throughout generations with not only a smile that would light up a room, but she also created a home, a precious place, and a table prepared daily with love and warmth for those to gather together.  Grandma and memaw (only a couple of names she was known by) had a classy style and dress--especially for church.  Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren spent many services sharing a church pew with her over the years, with her pillow marking her spot for the next service. She was a treasure and a truly virtuous lady who showed patience and kindness.

She had a heart that would love every person she encountered, and a genuinely sweet spirit of God's love in her life to share with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Anna’s grandchildren are Daniel Woolsey and wife Jackie; Tianna Brooks; Dennis Woolsey and wife Julie; Malinda Harrison and husband Mark; Charles E. Treece and wife Kimberly; Brett Martin and wife Brittany; Blake Martin; Cara Martin; Kaitlyn Cronk; Katy Wroughton and husband Ryan; Bobby Martin Jr. and wife Heather; Johnathan Martin; Jory Hockett and wife Beth; and Jason Hockett and wife Melissa.

Great-grandchildren are Elise Woolsey, Kenna Woolsey, Calle Woolsey, Taylor Brooks, Taygan Brooks, Abbi Rutledge, Korbin Woolsey, MaKiya Woolsey, Kayden Woolsey, Shaylin Woolsey, Kaylee Woolsey, Nate Rutledge, Lane Edward Harrison, Amanda Victoria Harrison, Raelynn Renee Treece, Charles E. Treece VI, Allee Carter, Gracelynn Swindle, Matthew Swindle Jr., Landon Stevenson, Raelynn Stevenson, Arielle Wroughton, Olivia Wroughton, Henry Wroughton, Ellie Martin, Grayson Martin, and Logan Hockett.

Anna’s siblings are Brenda Russell, Eddie Barnett, James Barnett and wife Cindy, Bubby Barnett, sister-in-law Jancise Melton (of Louisiana), sister-in-law Princess Fahnstock and husband Lewis, and many nieces, nephews, and loved-ones.

Anna is preceded in death by her granddaughter Amanda Renee Treece on September 13, 2002, husband, Reverend Bill Martin, mother Virgie Barnett, and brothers Pete Melton and Sonny Melton. As the oldest member of our family she was preceded in death by many loved ones who live on in our hearts.

Visitation and graveside services will be held Thursday, July 29, 2021, at Arroll Church in Summersville, Missouri. A celebration of life will follow at a later date for family and friends who travel in to attend.

Anna will be forever missed. Our hearts hurt but we know there is rejoicing in heaven as one of God’s children arrived home.  We love you Mom, Grandma, Memaw, and thank you for teaching us strength and honor of God's love in our lives.