Service: 3 o'clock, Sunday, March 5, 2017 Place: Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 1400 Killian Hill Road, Lilburn, GA Linda's Carol Linda sang her song from day one, that's the way she is. Linda can whisk tough times away with a slant of her smile that makes the Sun wear shades. Young, strong, beaming, this is how I remember meeting Linda who tantalized my young mind with dancing spirit. Linda's path has always been the high road. Strong, lean and mean, you get the picture. Holding a certain stature that stretches to the sky, this is how I came to know Linda. Lucky to be out of diapers-if I was-this whizzing top of a cousin first zoomed by. Trust was never an issue, nor place, moment, task or game at hand. Where do cousin's come from; it all calls for wonder. Linda's ease of being slipped that question into my childhood dreams. Every life will own its challenges. Peaks, valley's, ups, downs and spin-a-rounds, the first person to build a roller coaster was onto something. Still, the carol Linda brings with her contains a floating timbre that underscores any discord. If her life were a musical piece it would play allegretto, accentato, affettoa- light, lively, with emotion and emphasis-but always, throughout, the work would be in harmony. But why do I tell you? It's a simple matter, a solid truth, one I have known for so long. Linda's true affection for my childhood self and everything else about her gave me a confidence that helped grow my spirit. Of course, I had mom, dad, the steady lead of my sister and strong hand of my brother to help me build my path. But, I had cousin, Linda, as well. And, as dismantling as it must be for a child to not receive the love they deserve from their immediate family, it is equally uplifting to receive that same kind of love from a stranger, an associate, or from a cousin. I know. Acceptance, hope, cheer and love, these are Linda's calling cards; the notations of her life. Sometimes, I hold the ceramic butter dish, a uniquely designed item, or the cut out clay plates I know Linda's hands made. She did that for years, selling her pottery wares in craft shows and fairs. This was a perfect fit; Linda's love of people, of creation, for the gift of giving and sharing her four calling cards bloomed everyday. In return, Linda still brings the warmth of her carol to any who listen. She is a horse person. This means she gives tireless energy to four-footed pals who only speak back when a heart listens. Linda hears with her heart. I can't imagine someone as truly nice as my cousin, Linda, and I know her! Fathom that?!?!? Now, there's bad news. "Hospice is here." Larry's message marked the screen. It's been years of struggle for Linda and Larry; years of prayers, hope. Even so, these have been happy years filled with promise-Larry will tell you. Still. Sometime, it seems, I may have to go on without Linda, this, a thought I've never embraced. Of course, we don't know; our future that feels so ever present is truly veiled. But if that day comes, if I ever have to face it, I will never be alone. I'll carry Linda's laugh, cheer and all of her calling cards with me as I go. Linda will be in my vision as I look to the sky. The birds will sing, the wind will whistle the trees, but most of all there will be Linda Carol Martin's song of Life in my head. Linda's carol will ring my ears. That tune, she taught my heart so well. Thank You, Linda Carol. Authored by Linda's cousin, Gerry Franquemont - February, 2017 The photo was taken before one of Linda's many chemotherapy treatments Linda was born on May 30, 1941 in Okmulgee, OK to Lloyd and Perla May Tarvin. She grew up in Muskogee, OK, graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University and post graduate studies at the University of Oklahoma, and the George Warren Brown of Social Work in St. Louis. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Larry Martin. They have two sons: Jason Martin and his wife Janine, and two grandsons, Colin and Dean. who live in Germany, and Travis Martin and his wife Heidi, a grand-daughter, Sydney and grandson, Asher, who live in Hoschton, GA. Her passions mentioned above in Gerry's tribute were secondary to her love for her church, especially the choir. A deep, abiding faith was evidenced in every facet of her life. After learning of yet another cancer recurrence in November, she simply said "I'm going to live as long as I live". A Memorial Service will be held 3 o'clock Sunday, March 5, 2017 at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 1400 Killian Hill Road, Lilburn, GA.