Kay Caudle Martin

Kay Elizabeth Caudle Martin, 89, of Hamptonville, North Carolina, passed away on October 27, 2026, in the Yadkin County community where her life began. A woman of strong Christian faith, Kay looked forward to going home to be with Jesus. She leaves behind a legacy of creativity, generosity, laughter, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.

Born to Fassett Crumpler Caudle and Stannie Olga Gough Caudle, Kay graduated from Courtney High School in 1955. In 1959, she married John Sloop Martin, with whom she shared 64 years of marriage until his passing in 2023. Together, they raised four children in Hamptonville. Kay devoted much of her life to raising children, including driving a school bus and working in the cafeteria at West Yadkin Elementary School to remain close to her own, and later caring for other families' children in her home.

Kay was a gifted gardener whose beautiful flower beds drew admiration from neighbors and passersby. She loved wildflowers, birds, and the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, finding joy in the natural world and the changing seasons. A talented seamstress and prolific quilter, she carried on the creative traditions of her mother. She also enjoyed camping and traveling, especially opportunities to experience nature’s beauty.

Known for her spirited personality, quick wit, and wonderful laughter, Kay brought humor and energy wherever she went. She was generous with her time and resources, often going out of her way to help neighbors and others in need. A longtime member of Flat Rock Baptist Church, her faith remained an important part of her life.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband, John Sloop Martin; her parents; and her siblings Jessie Ruth Caudle Watson, Thomas Arthur Caudle, Harold Clifton Caudle, Calvin Alvis Caudle, Annie Lee Caudle Wright, and Gary Lawrence Caudle.

She is survived by her children, Dale Caudle Martin (Jennifer), Kyle Dean Martin, Chris Warren Martin (Angie), and Sharon Kay Martin (DeWayne); grandchildren, Madison Leigh Martin Turner (David), Kyndale Reese Martin (Emily), Skylar Alexis Martin Anderson (Luke), and Morgan Elizabeth Martin; and great-grandchildren, Oaklynn Noel Griffin, Reddick Kai Turner, and Beau Reese Martin. She is also survived by her siblings Merdith Hall Caudle, James "Jimmy" Fassett Caudle, and Brenda "Polly" Pauline Caudle Wiles; sisters-in-law Lucille Caviness and Carol Windsor (Dwight); and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Kay will be remembered in the gardens she tended, the quilts she stitched, the laughter she shared, and the many lives she touched along the way.

The family will receive friends Friday, November 6, 2026, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at Flat Rock Baptist Church, 3800 Flat Rock Church Road, Hamptonville, NC. A memorial service will follow at 6:00 p.m. with Dr. Joey Tomlin officiating.

The family extends sincere gratitude to the staff of Yadkin Nursing Care Center and Woltz Hospice Home for their compassionate care. Memorial contributions may be made to Flat Rock Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 267, Hamptonville, NC 27020.

Gentry Family Funeral Service of Yadkinville is serving the Martin family.