Nancy Lynn (Trickett) Martin, age 77 of Kingwood, died Jan. 6, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with multiple sclerosis. Nancy was a member of the Denver and Wesley United Methodist Churches and was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, aunt, cousin, and friend who was caring, loving, was always concerned about the well-being of others before her own, and without fail would offer a smile and a kind word to any and all who paid her a visit.
Nancy was born on Aug. 20, 1946, in Grafton, and was raised by her parents Paul “Pete” and Elaine Trickett in their home on Tunnel Hill in Tunnelton. Nancy was a 1964 graduate of Tunnelton High School and served as Queen Ceres for the 1963 Preston County Buckwheat Festival.
Following graduation, Nancy completed her degree in nursing at Fairmont State. As a registered nurse, she worked at Fairmont General Hospital, Preston Memorial Hospital, the Olympic Center, and Preston County Home Health until her retirement in 1996. During her nursing career, Nancy often would chart late in the evenings in order to spend the most time with her patients and not miss time with her family.
On Aug. 3, 1968, Nancy married Francis William Martin and they were married for 55 years, sharing a special bond both in sickness and in health. Together they had three children, Paul Martin and wife (Kelly) of Kingwood, Brad Martin and wife (Kim) of Kingwood, and Kara Martin of Lynchburg, Va. Francis and Nancy were also blessed with six grandchildren including: Taryn, Tyler, Allie, Gavin, Brandon, and Bryson Martin. Marriage also brought Nancy a loving relationship with her mother- and father-in-law, Vesta Ruth (Colebank) Martin and William Bliss Martin until their passing. Nancy loved each member of her family uniquely and endlessly, and her will to stay with her family as long as she could was evident every day.
While Nancy had no siblings, she was blessed with many special cousins that she loved from childhood until her death. She was also loved by her brothers- and sisters-in-law including Betty Lou Martin, Jean Bolyard, Lora Bolyard, and Evelyn Sanders (all deceased) along with Darrell Martin and Janice Hirst of Kingwood. She and Francis were also blessed with 14 nieces and nephews.
Finally, Nancy had many long and lasting friendships, particularly her best friend since high school, Kay Bernatowicz, and also Karen Forman who faithfully visited Nancy throughout her extended illness.
To summarize Nancy in a few words, she always had a kind word for others and showed a genuine interest in getting to know all those she met. She always knew the right thing to say and also knew when to listen. Though beautiful inside and out, she never liked having her picture taken. Her humor was dry and sometimes unexpected and made her eyes sparkle. She could not have been more loved and will be profoundly missed by her family and friends.
Arrangements are being handled by the Kingwood Funeral Home at 295 South Price St., Kingwood, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. with visitation on Friday, Jan. 12, with a service immediately following visitation. Pastor Eddie Martin officiating. Her final remains will be laid to rest at a later date with a family memorial service to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at www.nationalmssociety.org.
