Geraldine Edna Billingsley Martin, “Billie”, 93, of Chattanooga, passed away on Sunday, July 3, 2022, at her residence.

 

She was the oldest of three children born to her parents Eddie and Mary Billingsley. She was a 1949 graduate of Howard High School. Geraldine was saved as a teenager and united with Thankful Missionary Baptist Church.  TaShe later joined Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church where she was a leader of the Red Circle Girls and the Sunshine Band. She also served as a Deaconess and Choir Member. She reestablished her membership at Thankful Missionary Baptist Church and continued singing in the choir and served on the Mother Board. Geraldine was employed by the Board of Education for over 30 years. She began working at Chattanooga Avenue Elementary and finished at Alton Park Jr. High School. She married her husband, Artonia “Tony” Martin, Sr. on June 30, 1950, and they enjoyed 53 years of marriage at the time of his passing.

 

She was also preceded in death by her parents; two sons-in-law, Tony Hale and Alfred “Blue” Griffin, Sr.

 

Survivors include her six children, April Antionette (David) Werkema, Artonia Martin, Sr., Angela Faye Martin-Hale, Gerald (Shuntika) Martin, Sr., Gail A. Griffin, and Glenn (Vanessa) Martin, Sr.; 32 grandchildren; 59 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; two aunts, Sallie Kate Williams of Crawfordville, GA and Josephine Billingsley; one nephew, Michael (Audrey) Billingsley; two nieces, Merryl Billingsley of Chicago, IL and Renee Billingsley of Chattanooga; special friend, Clara Woods; bonus daughter, Joyce Stephens; devoted neighbor, Mildred Hicks; a very special cousin but more like a sister, Dorothy “Toots” Gardner; and a host of other relatives and friends.

 

Geraldine will lie in state on Friday, July 15, from 1:30-5:30 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home.

 

Funeral services will be on Saturday, January 16, at noon in the chapel with Dr. Mack E. Page as the eulogist.

 

Burial will be on Monday, July 18, at 11 a.m. in Forest Hills Cemetery.