Pearl Mae Martin

She had been in declining health for several years and was surrounded by loving family and caregivers as well as hospice staff at her beloved assisted-living facility, Grand Living, in the Orlando, Florida area. Her reported last words were “I like it here.”

A proud, lifelong resident of West Virginia, she moved to Florida in 2019, but her heart never left the Mountain State.

She was born on June 5, 1935, in Cassville, Monongalia County, West Virginia, the youngest child of Charles and Stella Yaromy, who had come to the United States as Ukrainian immigrants two decades before her birth.

She attended Cassville School and graduated from University High School in 1953.

She married State Police Trooper James L Martin on Aug. 27, 1955. After living in Romney, Webster Springs and Franklin, they settled down in Elkins in 1966. Her husband, Sgt. Martin, preceded her in death on Feb. 16, 1994.

They were the parents of three children, all of whom survive, Brad Martin with wife, Lisa, Martin of Elkins along with their three children, Nigel, Ian and Adam; Beverly Romine and husband, Bill, in Longwood, Florida, along with their children Paul, Adrienne and Alec; as well as John Martin and wife, Bev, who are also based in Florida along with their five children Ashley, Nolan, Taylor, Emily and Hannah.

Pearl loved to decorate. Surrounding herself with beauty was a constant passion all during her life. Planning and supervising the construction of two houses in Elkins brought her great joy.

She would text message almost daily with family members, often sending photos of loved ones and events.

She played Words With Friends with family and even some online friends almost until the end of her life.

She collected what she called “pretties” such as small animals, flowers, candles, glassware and ceramics many of which were brought to her by family during their various travels around the world.

She encouraged learning and travel, sending all her children on home stay exchanges and international trips as teenagers, experiences that shaped their entire lives.

In addition to her three children, she is survived by 11 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. She kept up with all of this younger generation through texts and visits. She was especially blessed by frequent visits with Meadow, a great-granddaughter, who lived nearby. She delighted in gift giving “for all the kids.”

She was affectionately referred to as “Meemaw” by grandchildren and others close to her.

She will be laid to rest in a private family service in Mountain State Memorial Gardens alongside her husband. The family is planning a celebration of life event later in the year.

The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Pearl Mae Martin.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.