NEW HANOVER COUNTY — Dorothy Raye Martin, a cherished soul who devoted her life to family, faith, and service, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025, in Shallotte, NC, at the age of 83. Born on February 6, 1942, in New Hanover, NC, she brought warmth and inspiration to everyone she met throughout her remarkable journey.
Dorothy’s life was a testament to steadfast faith and devotion. A committed member of New Vision Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church, under the guidance of Pastor Tuddie Dixon, she found great joy in praising Jesus and serving her community. She filled her days with reading the Bible, praying, and singing hymns alongside her beloved family, creating memories that will be cherished forever.
Her career as a self-employed individual in the salvage business showcased her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, but it was her role as a family matriarch that truly defined her life. Dorothy had a unique gift for making those around her feel loved and valued, consistently putting family first and fostering an environment of love and unity.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her loving husband, Jerry Martin, and siblings Jackie, Boots, Bobby, Shirley, Orval, and Oscar Jones. Her legacy lives on through her surviving family: her brother Charles Jones, sisters Bunchie Jones and Peggy Jones Kearney, daughter Gina Floyd, son Dean Dail, and daughter-in-law Kathy Dail. Her spirit is also carried forward by her grandchildren Andrea Jackson, Rickey Groves, Toni Groves, Tabbatha Floyd, Chris Lewis, Paul Bell, Sarah Bell, Wayne Floyd, Daija, Whitney, and Alexis, as well as numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, including Summer, Anthony, Faith, Matthew, Venice, Paris, Tyler, Hannah, Dalton, Jackson, Mason, Taylor, Skyii, Brinley, Skyler, Kurt Lynn, Matthew, Hudson, and Seabass.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to New Vision Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church, reflecting Dorothy’s deep commitment to her faith and community.
Dorothy Raye Martin’s unwavering faith, love for her family, and dedication to her church will continue to inspire all who knew her. She has left an indelible mark on the hearts of many and will be profoundly missed.
