Barbara Ruth Martin Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

January 5, 1938 to most, was just another bitter cold winter day in Rector, Arkansas; a farming community situated in the northeast corner of Clay County, but to one young couple, Walter and Lula Mae Williams, it would be an exciting day. It would bring with it the birth of a daughter; whom they would affectionately name Barbara Ruth Williams. Barbara would grow into a beautiful, independent woman and would later catch the eye of a local boy. He was the son of James “Rube” and Sybil Edwards Martin and his name was William J Martin. After a brief courtship, the two would marry in a simple ceremony conducted in Piggott, Arkansas on December 24, 1955. God would later add to this union two children, Janet and Terry. Barb and Bill would walk through the joys and sorrows of this life for the next 65 years until God called Barb to himself on August 20, 2021 at the NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro Barb was always a caring; loving wife and mother who loved to cook and spend time with her family and friends. She was a dedicated charter member of the Rector First General Baptist Church and served faithfully until her health began to decline. She always enjoyed working in her flower beds and raising a garden. She would can the vegetables so that she and her family would have fresh vegetables throughout the winter and was known for generously giving her neighbors and friends anything she grew. Barbara was preceded in death by her loving parents; Walter and Lula Mae Williams one brother: Billy Williams; and her sister: Inez Dowdy and infant sister: Geraldine Williams. Left to cherish precious memories are her loving husband Bill Martin of Rector; two children: Janet and Randal Gibson of Senath, Missouri; Terry and Barbara Martin of Jonesboro; three grandchildren: Sarah and Gregg Layne of Senath, Missouri, Rebekah and Sean Williams of Paragould, Arkansas, Tee Maxx Martin of Jonesboro; great grandchildren: Allyson Fowler and Zalie Williams of Paragould; Jaxon and Jodie Layne of Senath; one brother: James “Jimmy” and Virginia Williams of Vienna, Illinois; along with a host of other special relatives and friends. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the First General Baptist Church in Rector. Funeral Services will be on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 10:00 am at the church also with Bro. Mark Book and Kenny Burns officiating. Burial will follow at Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector. Irby-Mitchell Funeral Home of Rector is in charge of arrangements.

Barbara Ruth Martin

January 5, 1938 - August 20, 2021