James Steven Martin

Mr. James Steven (Steve) Martin, passed from this life on Monday, August 9, 2021, at his home in Winston-Salem.  He was born in Wilkes County to Vilas Blandford and Louise Rebecca Poplin Martin on August 27, 1941.  Steve was preceded in death by his wife, Ernestine Martin; his parents and an older infant sister.  He grew up in Ronda, NC and worked on the family farm milking cows and raising tobacco.  Steve enjoyed gardening all his life and was known for his delicious vegetables, fruits, and beautiful flowers.  He also had a sense of humor and loved making others laugh by telling jokes.  Steve graduated from East Wilkes High School in 1959 and was voted wittiest by his class.  Steve married Ernestine Watkins (of Millers Creek) on December 14, 1963.  They moved to Winston-Salem and had two children, James, Jr. (Grace) and Karen Jane Moore (Chuck) and three grandchildren, Abby Martin, Kaylee Tittsworth and Kelsey Moore.  He is survived by his children, grandchildren and one sister, Gail Sebastian of Sonoma, CA.  Because of the good influence of his wife, Steve obeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ in 1966 and was baptized into Christ for remission of sins. (Acts 2:38) and was added to the Lord’s church (Acts 2:47).  He attended the Church of Christ at Warners Chapel from then until his death.  He served as an Elder there for 27 years.  During his time as an Elder he made three mission trips to Zambia, Africa to teach in a preacher’s school there and provide famine relief.  Steve retired from the Winston-Salem Fire Department as a Captain after 30 years of service.  He also was a partner with Charles Howell in a house painting business (M & H Painting) on his days off from the fire department.  Steve enjoyed camping with his family and fishing on the Eastern Shore of VA. and the Outer Banks of NC.  He served God and his fellow man well.  A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday August 15, 2021, at Warners Chapel Church of Christ.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Saturday, August 14, 2021, at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Warners Chapel Church of Christ, 8999 Lasater Rd., Clemmons, NC 27012.  Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com