Zealiane C. Martin
Zealiane C. Martin, 90, of LaFayette, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday September 26, 2023.
Zee, as she was affectionately known, was born on April 6, 1933, to Phillip Starkey Martin and Essie Hegwood Martin in Chickamauga Georgia. She graduated from LaFayette High School in 1950.
After graduation, Zee would go on to be a stewardess for Delta Airlines and find her second home in Atlanta. Her career in the skies spanned more than 7 years and saw her flying on everything from DC-3 propellor planes to L1011 jets. Her time at Delta allowed Zee to indulge in her love of travel. A photograph of Zee is featured in the 2003 book “Images of America Delta Air Lines 75 Years of Airline Excellence” and in 2019 Delta video documented an interview with Zee after a commemorative flight recognizing her years of service. After Delta, Zee started her career with the State of Georgia working in the library at the Georgia Mental Health Institute, later known as The Georgia Clinic. Working there complimented Zee’s passions for literature and history. She would retire from the State of Georgia and returned to her hometown of LaFayette to be near family. She built a home, spent time with family and loved ones, and became an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of LaFayette singing in the choir and serving on various committees.
Zee was preceded in death by her parents Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Starkey Martin, her sister Annette Martin Huggins (The honorable Waymond Cecil Huggins), and her brother Jerry Carlton Martin (Peggy Thornton Martin); her great nephew, Charles Martin Huggins (Mary Chrystal Andrews Huggins)
She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Martin Cecil Huggins, Richard DeWayne Martin, Karen Darlene Martin, Chandler Alan Martin, Elizabeth Thornton Martin, Phillip Thornton Martin, Carlton Thornton Martin. Several great nieces and nephews, Brad and Ben Huggins, Amanda, Bryce, Jeremy, James, and David Martin and Sarah Quinn also survive.
Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church of LaFayette on Oct. 1, with visitation from 2-4 p.m. and a funeral service at 4 p.m. following visitation. Burial will be at LaFayette Cemetery followed by a reception at First Presbyterian Church of LaFayette.
Pallbearers are Marty Huggins, Brad Huggins, Ben Huggins, Chandler Martin, Phil Martin, and Carl Martin.
Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.