John Coffelt, Editor

A lot of things have come and gone in 103 years. Local mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Helen Martin can attest to that. But what has remained throughout is the love and care that she’s received from family and friends.

“People have really come out of the woodwork for my birthday. I really appreciate it,” Marin said.

“It went on for a week. I have so many friends. Look what happened, flowers and cards, people coming by.” 

Martin wanted to thank the people who help her on a daily basis.

“I want to thank my (Intrepid Home) health care. I don’t know what I would have done without them. And my family who has been great and take care of me. They are right on the ball with anything that happens. And my housekeeper, I want to talk about them instead of me,” Martin said.

“And Meals on Wheels, those girls don’t leave until they see me and that I’m OK.

Martin was recognized by Mayoral Resolution last month for her 103 birthday.

“I was really surprised,” Martin said.      

Alderman Donny Parsley and City executive administrative assistant Sage Keele facilitated the proclamation.

Martin was born in 1920 in Coffee County. She married her late husband, William on Christmas 1933. Her two children are the late Shelvy Jean Martin and Prince Edward Martin Sr.

Martin and her daughter were charter members of the Manchester Arts Commission and were active there for many years.

Marin is also known for the day care center she operated from 1971-1993, which closed when Shelvy was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Martin’s family consists of three grandsons and four great-grandsons and one great, great granddaughter

“We are grateful for the tremendous contributions she has made to our community and to the art community,” the proclamation reads.

John has been with the Manchester Times since May 2011. John has won Tennessee Press Association awards for Best News Photo and placed in numerous other categories. John is a 1994 graduate of Tullahoma High School, a graduate of Motlow State Community College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Middle Tennessee State University. He lives in Tullahoma, enjoys painting, dancing and exploring the outdoors.