Mrs. Willie Beatrice Burns Martin, 85, of Cordova, Tenn., died Saturday, July 27.
She was born March 31, 1939, to Jarred Burns, Sr. and Martha Ella Dixon Burns in Woodville, Miss. In 1962, she married McKinley C Martin.
Mrs. Martin graduated with honors from Sadi V. Thompson High School in 1957 and Jackson State University in 1961.
She then taught in Columbus, Miss., in 1961 and at Friars Point Elementary School from 1962 to 1992.
While teaching, Mrs. Martin earned two master’s degrees in Guidance (1970) and Elementary Education (1972), both from Delta State University. In June 1992, she retired from teaching.
From January 1980 to June 1992, Mrs. Martin was the First Lady of Coahoma Community College during the presidency of Dr. McKinley C. Martin, Sr.
Mrs. Martin was a charter member of the Zeta Psi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and served in many capacities including President and Debutante Cotillion Chairperson during her 50-plus years of membership. Upon her death, she was the last living Chapter Charter Member.
Mrs. Martin, preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Dr. Martin who died just six months prior on Jan. 10 2024, and is survived by their children McKinley Jr., Myron (Sonja), Marcia and seven grandchildren.
Mrs. Martin's Home Going Celebration was on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024 and was officiated by Delta Burial, Clarksdale.
Final resting place is West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, Memphis.
