Clara Martin

Bishop Clara Martin, 84, of Martinsville, Virginia, transitioned from her earthly home on Friday, August 23, 2024. She was born September 28, 1939, Martinsville, Virginia, to the late Jessie Ben Hairston, Sr. and Clara Ann Dillard Hairston.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of over forty years Wilbert L. Martin; sister, Lucy Mae Barr; brothers, Curtis J. Hairston, Jessie Ben Hairston, Jr., and Wilford L. Hairston.Bishop Clara was Pastor of Greater New Light Cathedral Holiness Church where she ministered for more than forty years. Her first love was singing the gospel until God called her to preach His word. Her greatest desire was spreading the gospel and saving souls. She was a dedicated employee of Blums Nursing where she worked private duty for more than thirty-five years.She is survived by daughter Wanda Martin; sons, Derrick Martin (Kimberly) and Marvin L. Martin (Carol); sisters, Gloria Finney (Robert), and Dorothy B. Hairston; grandchildren, JeNes Turner (Samuel), April Martin, India Martin, Marvin Martin, Jr.; and six great-grandchildren.The funeral will be Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 12:00 PM at First Baptist East Martinsville Church with Pastor Dr. Charles Whitfield officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Burial Park. Visitation will be thirty minutes prior to the service. A floating visitation will be Wednesday, August 28, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Wright Funeral Service Chapel.The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM at 100 English Street, Apt #1 Martinsville, Virginia 24112.Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.wrightfuneralservices.net