Billie R. Martin

Billie Ruth Martin, age 89, of Troy, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2024. Bille was born in Pennington Gap, Virginia on October 10, 1934 to Luther and Martha Parks. She moved with her family to Detroit in the 1940's when her father, a coal miner, sought a safer line of work in the then-burgeoning auto industry. Arriving with only the clothes on their backs, Billie's family put down roots in Detroit, with her father going on to enjoy a long career with Ford Motor Company. Billie herself went on to graduate from Highland Park High School in 1953. She then married her husband, Billy, on June 25, 1955, starting a family of her own. Once her kids were grown and out of the house, Billie enjoyed several hobbies in her free time. Though she didn't take up the sport until her mid-40's, and then only to spend more time with her husband, golfing would become a decades-long passion for Billie. She and her husband especially enjoyed regular golfing vacations to Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and their favorite destination of all, Arizona. But only Billie in this golfing duo could lay claim to a hole-in-one, a feat she achieved at Hampton Golf Club in Rochester-somewhat to the consternation of her proud, but slightly envious, husband. It was also at Hampton Golf Club where Billie devoted much time and dedication as an officer of the Ladies Golf League. Billie's pastimes went well beyond golf. An avid reader, she was known to devour two or three books in a week. She also took great pride in maintaining the gardens around her home. She had three large plots in which she would permit only annuals-a preference that meant a massive amount of work each year, but a passion that she continued to dedicate herself to throughout her 70's and into her 80's. Billie also maintained an almost religious commitment to walking daily for exercise in Somerset Mall. She started this routine in her mid-40's and sustained the habit for decades, oftentimes joined by her husband once he had retired. Without a doubt, Billie's greatest joy was being surrounded by her loved ones. She cherished every moment with her family and friends, especially delighting in spoiling her grandchildren during their younger years. Known for her warm and sociable nature, she thrived in the company of others. Her passion for cooking brought people together, with her cakes and fruit compote becoming legendary treats for her guests. And, notably, throughout her years she remained steadfast in her faith as a devoted member of Central Free Will Baptist Church for eight decades. Billie's presence was a beacon of love, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her. Billie was the beloved wife of the late Billy Martin and the loving mother of Kathy (Mark) Paschall, Steve Martin, and Tim Martin. Billie was also the proud grandmother of Ryan Martin, Emmy Paschall, Ethan (Gloria) Paschall, Katie Martin, and the late Maddy Martin; and great-grandmother of Isla James Paschall. Visitation for Billie will be held on Saturday, March 30, from 11:30 a.m. until time of service, 1:00 p.m., at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W. Eleven Mile Rd. (four blocks east of Woodward), Royal Oak. Billie will be laid to rest at Roseland Park Cemetery in Berkley. Memorial tributes to Billie may be directed to International Missions, fund of Steve and Becky Riggs (current missionaries to France): www.IMINC.org. Share a memory at www.SullivanFuneralDirectors.com.

Billie R. Martin

October 10, 1934 - March 23, 2024