Susanna Martin

The woman who walks with God will always reach her destination.

On Earth, our hearts are aching.  With every beat, every breath, we can feel them breaking.  But our dear mother, she is rejoicing.  She is laughing and dancing and singing and praising!  She is home.

Susanna Martin, 75, of Mt. Sterling, reached her home of hope and eternal life with her Lord on January 24, 2024.  She was born July 10, 1948, at home in Fayette County to the late Harold and Mayme Kingery Martin.  She is survived by her daughter and best friend, Angel Morris; two sons, her boys, Danny James (Misty) Colter and Ben (Nicole) Colter; and daughter-in-law and mother of her grandchildren, Kim Howland.  Our precious Mammy is survived by her greatest gifts, her grandchildren. An unwavering source of strength and support, Mammy leaves her legacy of love to Ravan (Jack) Crowe, Rachel (Gabe) Scott, Wyatt Morris, Sherman Howland Jr., Sara (Zach) Utt, Landon Colter, Makenlee Colter, Sunshine Salyers, Kyle Salyers, Garrett Curtis, and Kayleigh Wheeler; as well as great grandchildren, Jaydyn, Jordyn, Jaxson, Jase, Noah, Norah, and Novah.  Susie also leaves behind her treasured brother, her partner in mischief, Billy Martin. After her Lord, Susie cherished family above all else.  “My monkeys, my circus,” she would always lovingly say.  

In addition to her parents, Susie was preceded in death by her beloved son, Sherman Howland; a granddaughter Brynli Colter; sisters Emma Demint and Sharon Smith; and brothers Eugene Martin, David Martin, Jimmy Martin, and Paul Martin.  

For years, Susie could be found cooking food or baking desserts at the American Legion most days of the week.  She devoted herself to serving tried-and-true favorites, finding new ideas, and helping Billy in any way she could.  Her dedicated work at the Legion kept her busy and her bright spirit kept people coming in more than any meal ever could. Susie was a devoted member of the Antioch Free Will Baptist Church.  The relationships she built and the fellowship she shared within her church were so important to her.  She grew in faith through the prayer, singing, and preaching of the Word celebrated within its walls. 

Susie lived a life every day filled with resilience, compassion, and quiet strength.  Her warmth drew people in, her hugs were safe and comforting, and her genuine interest in others made everyone around her feel loved and valued.  The woman we loved was full of humility.  Full of grace and forgiveness and full of love.  The woman we loved called everyone ‘honey’ and ‘dear,’ and beamed with joy the Sunday her family took up three church pews.  The woman we loved saw all the best parts in everyone; she prayed for strangers and for acquaintances and for us every single day.  

How blessed we are to have been loved so deeply by our mother, Mammy, sister, and friend who forever made our lives more special.  She will be profoundly missed, but we know her soul is now peacefully held in the eternal embrace of God.  

And Jesus said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 11:25-26) Susie lived and believed wholeheartedly in the Word of Christ.  She would want us all to know- 

“I’m fine. It’s going to be okay.”

 Visitation will be held SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2024 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at the PORTER-TIDD FUNERAL HOME, 331 W. MAIN STREET, MT. STERLING, OH 43143.  A funeral service for Susie will be held at the funeral home on MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Jim Blankenship officiating.  Burial will follow at Pleasant Cemetery, Mt. Sterling.  The family welcomes all who loved Susie to join them for a meal after services at The American Legion, Post 417, Mt. Sterling.