Helen Martin

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Helen V. Martin, 86, of Miner Nursing Center and formerly of Mississippi County, Mo., died Friday, Dec. 12, 2008, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston.

She was born Feb. 22, 1922, in the Bement community of Mississippi County, daughter of Clarence William and Flora Irene Smith Presson. She and Alfred Herbert Martin were married May 18, 1940. He survives of the home.

Martin had lived in Mississippi County her entire life. She was a member of the Bridges United Methodist Church and the Lusk Chapel Extension Club.

Survivors include three sons, Jerry Martin of Bertrand, Mo., Michael Martin of Tyler, Texas, Donald Martin of Charleston, Mo.; a daughter, Brenda Heise of Jackson; two brothers, Harold "Bud" Presson of Diehlstadt, Mo., Danny Presson of Charleston; two sisters, Dorothy Stewart of Charleston, Betty Haley of Sikeston; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a brother and a sister.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday, with the Rev. Dan Faust, pastor of the United Methodist Church of Charleston, officiating.

Interment will be in Dogwood Cemetery under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home.