Wilda Mae Chaney Martin, 83, of Inman, South Carolina (formerly of Blackshear), passed away Wednesday afternoon, November 26, 2025, at her daughter’s residence, following an extended illness.
Born January 12, 1942, in Douglas, she was a daughter of the late Homer Lee and Bessie Stone Chaney. She grew up in Douglas and was a graduate of Coffee County High School Class of 1960. She moved to Jacksonville, Florida where she lived for 20 years and moved to Pierce County in 1984.
Through the years, she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), at King Edward Cigar Factory and Spatola Shoe Factory and in the lunchroom of Pierce County High School, but was also a long-time housewife and mother.
She was a longtime member of Blackshear Church of God but attended Dependent Baptist Church in South Carolina.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 50 years, James Earl Martin and three brothers, Willis Chaney, Wilson Chaney and Wilbur Chaney.
Survivors include her three children, Jeffrey Earl Martin (wife Amy), Tickfaw, LA, Eric Martin (wife Emma), Waycross, and Tonya Cantrell (husband Ben), Inman, SC; four grandchildren, A.J. Martin, Benton Cantrell, Landon Cantrell and Ryland Cantrell; three siblings, Wilma Goldsberry, Virginia Beach, VA, Waldo Chaney (wife Myrtle), Douglas, and Leroy Chaney (wife Diane), West Green and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Visitation will be from 1-1:50 p.m. Wednesday, December 3, at the funeral home.
Graveside funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, from the Blackshear City Cemetery.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.
Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements
