Meri Anne (Reynolds) Martin, 75, of Florence died Thursday, June 11, 2026, at her residence holding the hand of her loving husband. Meri had valiantly battled the last few months to recover from multiple complications of post-surgery. She is now at peace.

Meri was born in the middle of a blizzard in Iowa on January 26, 1951. Her family relocated to Arkansas in the early 60’s. She was a member of Lakeside High School c/o 1969 & dearly loved her Rams. She started college at age 36 and had her Master's in Education by age 42 from The University of North Alabama. Teaching English was her passion. She was a gifted seamstress, crafty in many ways & could revive most any “lost cause” house plant (then returned them to you with care instructions). She brought her smile, love, and laughter to almost every room she entered. She had a servant’s heart as a Family or Church member, Teacher and in every community she touched. She showed up for so many and left a permanent mark on us all. She loved volunteering at St. Joseph School, St. Michael’s Altar Society and St. Michael’s Soup kitchen.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 4-6 PM at Elkins Funeral Home, followed by the recitation of the Rosary at 6:30. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, June 18, 2026, 10 AM at St. Michael’s Catholic Church with Father Patrick officiating. Burial will follow at St. Michael’s Church Cemetery.

Meri is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Richard Martin; children, Michelle Martin, Crystin Martin, and Keri Lewis (Chris); grandchildren, Shayne Hopkins (Thu), Olivia Frazer (Wesley), Wyatt Sullivan, Alexander Lewis, JacqueLynn Cline, Jacob Lewis, and Eyan Sullivan; great-grandchildren, Luca Frazer, Shayne Hopkins, Jr., and Obsidian Frazer; siblings, Mark Reynolds, Steven Reynolds (Jenny), Susan Martin, and Cheryl Moore (James); several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Chris Lewis, Shayne Hopkins, Olivia Frazer, Wyatt Sullivan, Alexander Lewis, Jacob Lewis, Eyan Sullivan and Wesley Frazer.

Special Thanks to N. Alabama Hospice employees and Sonya Hamm Calloway’s Just in Case Home Health CNA’s for their kind support at home.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Joseph’s School Education Foundation or St. Michael’s Altar Society. You are invited to leave condolences at www.elkinsfuneralhome.com.