Obituaries -- Placed 9-7-2004
Elizabeth Emeline Whitesides Martin

Elizabeth Emeline Whitesides Martin, 100, of Houston, passed away on Monday, Sept. 6, 2004, at her daughter's home in Port Arthur.

She was born in Gatesville and spent most of her childhood in Athens. She lived with her daughter in Port Arthur for the past five years. She was a schoolteacher for 37 years in Seguin and Houston.

Elizabeth was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Houston and, since living with her daughter, of First Christian Church in Port Arthur. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Retired Teachers of Texas, Tuesday Musical Club, College Women's Club, Junior League of Houston, and Southgate Civic Club. In her Houston church, she was a Sunday school teacher and pianist, Church Circle moderator and visitor of shut-ins.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home in Groves. A Christian service will be celebrated by the Rev. Bill Hauck on Wednesday, Sept., 8, 2004, at 10 a.m. at First Christian Church in Port Arthur. Burial will follow at Athens Cemetery in Athens at 5 p.m.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, William Robert "Bob" Martin; and granddaughter, Patricia Marie "Patti" Blitch.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Margaret Ann Martin Blitch of Port Arthur; grandchildren, Beth and her husband, Ron Routzon of Houston, Martin "Bubba" and his wife, Nancy Blitch of Port Arthur and Margaret Sue "Peggy" and her husband, Kenneth Prosperie of Bridge City; and great-grandchildren and spouses, Tircia and Jeremy Cooper, Kenneth Prosperie Jr. and Adam Prosperie, all of Bridge City, and Rebecca and Stephanie Routzon of Houston. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Nola Whitesides of Frankston; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice.