Ferne Carter Martin, 90

Published 8:33 am Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Ferne Carter Martin, 90, of Danville went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 31, 2024. Born in Lincoln County on August 10, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Oma and Dewey Carter. Ferne married her grade school sweetheart, the late Pastor Ernest Martin, September 26, 1954. Their marriage was a shining example of unconditional love for the 67 years they were together and will continue to be by all who knew them. Ferne graduated from Hustonville High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Georgetown College, earned a master’s degree in education from Eastern Kentucky University, and began her teaching career at Eubank Elementary. She then taught thirty-one years at Junction City Elementary. Her favorite part of being a teacher was the practice and instruction of reading and helping children develop a love of reading. Ferne was a devoted Pastor’s wife. She loved Jesus. She served God many years as a Sunday School teacher for women and used her love of church hymns to sing in church choir. Additionally, for decades she was a Vacation Bible School teacher for two-three year olds, preschool choir director and directed children’s musicals at church. Affectionately referred to as “Granny”, Ferne was dedicated in her affection for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She earned the “most thoughtful” senior superlative in high school and demonstrated thoughtfulness throughout life by her generosity and encouragement. Following her retirement, she enjoyed going to the beach, reading, crocheting, eating ice cream, sending cards and giving gifts. Most dear to Ferne was her Christian faith and her family. Survivors include her two daughters: Joy (Butch) Chidester of Glasgow and Jill (John) Robertson of Danville; five grandchildren: Brittany (Nicholas) Durham of Bowling Green, Brandon (Kathryn) Chidester of Tennessee, John David (Laura) Robertson of Alabama, Paul (Brooke) Robertson of North Carolina, and Elizabeth Robertson of Lexington; Seven great-grandchildren: Henry and Jack Durham, Conner and Caroline Chidester, Stella and Story Robertson, and Carter Robertson. Ferne is preceded in death by her husband, Pastor Ernest Lee Martin, and both of her siblings: her brother, Elwood Carter, and her sister, Ruby Jeffries. The funeral service will be Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Lexington Avenue Baptist Church, 339 W Lexington Avenue, Danville, with her grandson, Pastor John David Robertson, officiating. Burial will follow at Hustonville Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 4, 2022, from 5:00-7:30 p.m. also at Lexington Avenue Baptist. Pallbearers will be Butch Chidester, Dr. John Robertson, Brandon Chidester, John David Robertson, Paul Carter Robertson, and Nicholas Durham. The family requests memorial contributions to the Ernest Martin Scholarship at Danville Christian Academy, 2170 Shakertown Rd., Danville, KY 40422 or Lexington Avenue Baptist Church, 339 W Lexington Ave, Danville, KY 40422. W.L. Pruitt Funeral Home in Moreland is entrusted with her arrangements.