EVELYN YOAKUM MARTIN

Evelyn Ruth Yoakum Martin, age 91, a resident of Harrogate, Tennessee, went home to be with the Lord on December 4, 2025 while surrounded by her family.

She was born May 27, 1934 in Fonde, Kentucky, the daughter of the late Fred Sr. and Olif Wilson Yoakum.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband James “J.C.” Martin, brother Fred Yoakum Jr. and sister-in-law Grace “Ann” Yoakum, sister Juanita Yoakum Rutherford, and other relatives Stella Rutherford Lowry, Melissa K. Weaver, Billy Beeler, Johnni Rutherford, J.C. “Pete” Yoakum Jr., and her special dog Skippy.

Evelyn was a God fearing, Bible believing Christian who loved the Lord with all her heart. She was of the Baptist faith and a faithful member of Calvary Church in Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. Her love for the Lord shined brightly and was evident in her treatment of others; she was benevolent in all her ways and a caregiver to anyone in need. A true Proverbs 31 woman, when Evelyn’s hands were not extended toward meeting the needs of others, she put them to work. Strong-willed and full of grit, she was a forklift driver for many years throughout her professional career, later becoming a housekeeper in her retirement. A heart so soft and full of love, yet with calloused hands made tough from labor, Evelyn was one of a kind and embodied the best qualities of a loving, nurturing, caring woman mixed with the toughness of someone who had to learn to survive.

Because of her strength and determination, Evelyn was very much the Matriarchal figure within her family. Her selflessness and willingness to put others before her was a blessing to her family; the effects of which they still reap the benefits of today. An infectious laugh, quick wit and bright smile, Evelyn was the center of not only her family, but any room she entered.

In her later years, she enjoyed yard-selling and loved beautiful flowers. A long life well lived, Evelyn’s parting gift to her family is a lasting legacy of true grit nurtured by pure love. The tough labor her hands endured with the benevolence her soft heart poured out will be remembered and felt by those who were blessed to be recipients of it.

Left to cherish her memory, daughter Regina Martin, special puppy Baby Gunner, brother J.C. Yoakum, sister Gladys Beeler, a host of many nieces and nephews, great niece and caregiver Patty Alonzo, special friends Devada Wolfenbarger and Phyllis Blanton, as well as other relatives, church family and friends too numerous to name, but all who will miss her so dearly.

The family of Evelyn Martin will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Green Hills Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 18, 2025 at the Green Hills Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bobby Partin officiating. Music will be provided by the Calvary Church Singers.

Graveside Services will be held at 12 noon Friday, December 19, 2025 at the Yoakum Cemetery, Speedwell, Tennessee.

Pallbearers will be Calvin Weaver, Ronnie Rutherford, Shawn Cupp, Ethan Cupp, Nathan Cupp and Bobby Partin.

Green Hills Funeral Home, Middlesboro, is honored to serve the Martin Family.

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