Order of the Long Leaf Pine awarded to Nancy T. Martin

GRANITE FALLS, NC (September 27, 2017)…Governor Roy Cooper has conferred upon Nancy Trivette Martin  the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.  The Granite Falls Women’s Enrichment Association, which nominated her for the award, hosted a reception in her honor on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 in the Civic Building on the campus of the William B. Shuford Recreation Center in Granite Falls.   GFWEA President Linda Crowder made the presentation.

A native of Winston – Salem, N. C., Mrs. Martin earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Women’s College (now UNC-Greensboro) and her Master’s in Social Work from UNC-Chapel Hill.  She has served the residents of North Carolina from the coast to the mountains.    She began her career working for Social Services in Person, Caswell, Yadkin, Rowan, and Davie Counties.  In 1977, she joined the staff at Western Carolina Center (now J. Iverson Riddle) as a social worker.  In 1991, Mrs. Martin was named the Social Worker of the Year.  In 1998, she was recognized as an outstanding employee at the Center. 

She retired from the State in February 2000 and relocated to Southport, N. C. with her husband. After his death in 2005, Mrs. Martin decided to relocate to southern Caldwell County.  There she became quite active in local organizations where she could help people.

Mrs. Martin’s service to the people of North Carolina continued through the Caldwell County Council for Women (where she helps raise funds for scholarships), First Presbyterian Church of Hickory (where she helps screen applicants for financial assistance, Granite Falls Women’s Enrichment Association (which she serves as treasurer), and the Board of Directors for the Shelter Home of Caldwell County (where she advocates for victims of domestic violence).

Mrs. Martin has served on the Board of the Shelter Home since 2008 – three (3) of those as Chairman.  During her tenure as Board Chair, she led a major fundraising/renovation/expansion campaign.  Updated facilities were needed to meet the growing domestic violence demands as the Shelter extended its services to include persons in Alexander County.   In 2012, the Granite Falls Business and Professional Women’s Club recognized her service and dedication to the Shelter Home by naming her the Granite Falls Woman of the Year.   As a member of the Granite Falls Women’s Enrichment Association, Mrs. Martin promotes the Shelter Home, advocates for breast cancer awareness (she’s a 33 – year survivor), and works to raise money for scholarships. 

The award recipient was married to the late Melvin Martin, who was the Director of Social Services in Caldwell and Burke Counties. They had a daughter and son-in-law Dana and George Taylor, a daughter and son-in-law Ashley and Jody Reid, and a granddaughter Macy Athanasiadis.

The Granite Falls Women’s Enrichment Association enhances the lives of women and promotes their well-being by providing personal and professional enrichment opportunities.  For more information, check out their website www.granitefallsweassociation.org.

Press Release courtesy of Linda Crowder (Granite Falls Women’s Enrichment Association President)