Addie Grace Martin

Mrs. Addie Grace Martin was born in Jackson County on May 27, 1932 to the parents of James Rance Dukes and Frankie Mae Johnson. She was a member of St. Paul First Baptist Church where she joined at an early age. She served on the Usher Board, as a deaconess, on the hospitality committee, and as a very active member for over 50 years. Her Christian life was as beautiful as the flowers that she loved so well, and her influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew her. She was employed at Sports Wear of Commerce and retired from Jefferson Mills. Granny Grace loved working in her garden, sewing quilts for her grandchildren, and baking and cooking for family and friends. As a result of her generous spirit and pleasant personality she was loved by many. Addie Grace was a long-time resident of Jefferson; departed this life Thursday the 8th of December at St. Mary’s Hospice House. She was married to the late L.D. Lester who preceded her in death, and to this union were born five children. She is survived by five children; Warren (Linda) Lester, Clifton (Leatrice) Lester Athens, Georgia; Linda (Dean) Oliver of Westchester, New York; Allison Pittman, Jefferson, Georgia; Franklin (Tasha) Lester of Charleston, South Carolina. She was later united in marriage to the late Thomas Fletcher Martin. This union added three step children, Robert (Patricia) Martin of Jefferson, Georgia; and Phillip Martin of Jefferson, Georgia; and Joyce Dowdy of Athens, Georgia. Two grandchildren were also raised in their home Tifany Rakestraw and Keiron Rakestraw of Jefferson, Georgia Addie Grace is survived by her two sisters, Bessie (John) Rakestraw, Mary (Darryl) Johnson and one brother James (Annie) Dukes. She is preceded in death by one sister Virginia Pearl Johnson. She was lovingly known as Granny Grace to 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchild and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at St. Paul First Baptist Church at 11:00 AM.  Visitation will be held between the hours of 12:00 noon - 8:00 PM on Tuesday, December 13, 2016.  Professional Services Entrusted to Wimberly & White Funeral Home.