Alfreda Mayse Martin, 78, of Marion, peacefully passed from this life in the early morning hours of Monday, March 16, 2026 at UNC Health Blue Ridge.
A native of Rutherford County, she was born December 17, 1947 to the late Alfred Lewis Mayse and Lillie Mae Jones Mayse.
Alfreda was the first African American to graduate from Isothermal Community College. She then attended Barber-Scotia College, then Gardner-Webb University, and later graduated from Montreat College with her Master’s Degree. A longtime educator in McDowell County Schools, Mrs. Martin was the Director of the McDowell Developmental Day Care Center for fifteen years early in her career.
She loved the Lord and was a member of Mt. Pisgah United Church of God where she served as a Sunday School Teacher and Deaconess. Her heart for children was reflected not only in her career as a teacher, but also through her love of fostering children in her home for over fifty years. In her spare time, Alfreda was an avid gardener.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by five siblings, James Mayse, Alvin Mayse, David Mayse, Perry Mayse, and Willie Mae Ledbetter.
She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Paul Martin, Jr.; four children, Megan Martin, Kendra Hayden (Tyler), Chris Martin, and Keith Martin; special foster children, Kaleel and Andrew and Rose Mary Vick; her grandchildren, Makayla, Tamiya, Kingston, Sebastian, Donovan, Crishawna, Carissa, Criserin, Zane, and Gabe; two brothers, Michael Mayse and Billy Mayse; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 22, 2026 from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. at the Mt. Pisgah United Church of God, 246 Doggett Grove Road, Forest City, NC 28043. A celebration of Alfreda’s life will begin at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Jesse Banner officiating. Interment will follow at the Doggett Grove Cemetery in Forest City.
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