Carolyn Joyce Martin, age 90, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Thursday morning, October 9, 2025, at Carmi Manor Rehabilitation & Nursing Center.

      She was born January 30, 1935, in Clay County, the daughter of Juvil Wesley “Casey” and Leone (Sullens) Mayo.  She was united in marriage to John Madison Martin Jr. on January 16, 1954, at the Methodist parsonage in Flora and together they shared 49 wedding anniversaries until his passing on June 21, 2003.

      She enjoyed coloring and working crossword puzzles.  Carolyn had never met a stranger and always found joy in making new acquaintances wherever she went.  She will be remembered for her kind heart and her love of animals.

      She is survived by her son: Gary Martin of Flora; daughters: Suzanne Acree of Flora and Teresa Martin (Rendell Dingman) of Cisne; daughter-in-law: Angela Martin of Flora; grandchildren: Matthew Martin (fiancée Jaime Robertson) of New Alexandria, Pennsylvania, Adrienne Martin (Ryan Harmon) of Flora, Chandra Martin of Flora, Alex Martin of Flora, and Madison (Quentin) Young of Clay City; step grandchildren: Kim (Gary) Pennington of Cisne, Mark Lagle of Altamont, Chris (Amanda) Lagle of Flora, Eric Lagle of Bridgeport, Kelly Lagle (Steven Gabel) of Arnold, Missouri, Johnny Burkett of Rinard, and Candi (Gene) McVay of Franklinville, North Carolina; great-grandchildren: Jacob, Nicholas, and Rebecca Kimbro, and Abigail Schmitz, all of Flora, and Garrett and Lilly Young, both of Clay City; step great-grandchildren: Brian (Susan) Pennington of Flora, Tiffany (Ben) Castleberry of Flora, Ashley Landreth of Altamont, Jessica (Nicholas) Simpson of Newburgh, Indiana, Elizabeth Lagle of Flora, Cale Lagle of Flora, Terra (Rocky) Dewitt of Willow Springs, Missouri, Amanda Schell of Flora, and Autumn (Ernie) Baugh of Franklinville, North Carolina; many step great-great-grandchildren; a sister: Doris (Trevor) Bissey of Bloomington; a brother: Jerry (Gayla) Mayo of Clay City; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

      She was preceded in passing by her parents; husband; son: Larry Martin; daughter-in-law: Becky Martin; son-in-law: Steve “Lumpy” Acree; stepdaughters: Nancy Lagle, Carolyn Sue Byars, and Vicki Burkett; step son-in-law: Carol Lagle; step grandchildren: Tim Byars, Deanna Byars, and Jody Burkett; a brother: Don Mayo; sister: Rita Stanley; brother-in-law: Wayne Stanley; sister-in-law: Joyce Mayo; and nieces: Stephanie Bissey and Carey Deem.

      A Celebration of Life will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Pastor Mark Smith officiating.  A visitation will be held from 4 until 6 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to Fur a Good Paws, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com