Nila Martin Obituary

The Martin family wishes to announce the passing of their matriarch, Ms. Nila Jean (Durham) Martin, in the late evening hours of Saturday July 26, 2025. In her 94 years she had raised and nurtured a large family, ten children, twelve grandchildren, and twenty-three great-grandchildren. Feeble in the last few weeks of life she is now at peace and resting comfortably in the surety of our Savior, Jesus Christ. In the last years she endured the passing of her husband of 70 years, William Franklin Martin and her beloved son, who'd lived with her all his life, Donald Elbert "Doogie" Martin. A busy homemaker raising eight boys and two girls, she was adept at many family tasks, often singing while she toiled away. Most meals were like cooking for a small platoon. She cooked three meals a day for many years with seldom any time off. The family remembers many delicious Sunday dinners and lots of Friday night hamburgers. Guests were always welcome and friends of the family will remember those unique experiences. She also dabbled in art, could draw well and played a little music. She enjoyed music and loved flowers. Was interested and well read on medical science. She was born February 7, 1931 to Lawrence Brady Durham and Cammie Frances (Fleming) Durham of the Angeltown community. She was influenced heavily by grandparents and fondly recalled memories of great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth (Perdue) Ausbrooks and grandfather John Calvin 'Pap' Durham. In addition to her parents, husband, and son, Donald, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Lawrence Brady Durham, Jr "Junior" and his wife Maxine (Draper) Durham, Everett Randolph Durham (inf), Billie Roark Durham and wife Margaret (Perry) Durham, and sister Ruth Allitine (Durham) Carter and her husband, George Bryson Carter. Brother-in-law Dewey Allen Pryor, other in-laws, William Elbert Anderson and wife Ruby Pauline (Martin) Anderson, James Howard Walker and wife Julia Corinne (Martin) Walker, Vernon Talmadge Martin, Winona Alice Martin, Garland Edward Sherron and wife Annie Louise (Martin) Sherron, and Leroy Troutt and wife Betty Sue (Martin) Troutt. She was also preceded in death by several nephews and nieces. She is survived by sister, Wilma Frances "Peggy" Pryor, and brother, Alton Rabon Durham and wife Linda (Loveall) Durham. Additionally, she is survived by nine of her children, Barbara Jean (Martin) Kirkham and husband Larry E. Kirkham, James Franklin Martin, Gary Michael Martin and wife Donna L. (Sanders) Martin, Randy David Martin and wife Sharon M. (Horton) Martin, Tracy Allen Martin and wife Hannah G. (Heatherly) Martin, Kenneth Wayne Martin, Lisa G. Canary, Danny Ray Martin and wife Tiffany D. (Roberts) Martin, Kevin Scott Martin and wife Tina (Fatolitis) Martin. Twelve grandchildren, Christopher and Heather Martin (Andy and Brandon), Jennifer and Jerry Wright, Lori and David Madgett, Cynthia and JR Shire (Brayla), Kristen and Blair Bunn, Holly and Eric Stamper (Reid, Beckett, Hudson, and Farrah), Travis and Catherine Martin (Ariel and Addie Jo), Shane and Stephanie Martin (Seth, Audrey, Noah, and Eli), Allyson and Timmy Choate (Trevor, Nila, Levi, and Ezra), Misty and Matt Drone (Connor and Elliot), Zachary and Savanna Martin (Remington, Rowan, and Norah), and Alex and Macey Martin (Charlotte), and many nieces and nephews, and an extended community of friends and neighbors. Service will be at 2:00 PM on Thursday, July 31st at the funeral home with Brother Robby Kirkham officiating. Visitation is Tuesday, July 29th from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, on Wednesday July 30th from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and on Thursday from 12:00 PM to time of service. Interment at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery with the sons and son-in-law serving as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers the family respectfully asks for donations to be made to the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery fund in her honor. Sellars Family Heritage at Gallatin, 100 E. Albert Gallatin Avenue, Gallatin, TN 37066. 615-452-7115. Obituary line 615-452-5900. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: familyheritagefh.com