Linda Louise Martin

Linda Cottrell Martin, age 75, passed away peacefully in her home on January 5, 2020, surrounded by family and loved ones. Born on January 12, 1944, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her parents were Ellis Herman and Florence Louise Cottrell.Linda was loved by all who knew her. Her compassion, kindness, and genuine affection were felt by many. She always had a kind word to say and a smile to give. She also had a very sharp wit and was often quick with a come-back that would leave you in stitches. She loved spending time in the kitchen, cooking, and baking. Most of the family memories took place there. With seven children rotating in and out, the kitchen was the heart of Linda’s life. She grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and then moved to South Florida, where she lived, worked and raised her blended family for nearly 50 years. After the passing of her husband, Gene Martin, she moved to Fairhope, Alabama, to be closer to family. She began to bake for a local shop, just for fun. Her cakes became so popular that the shop couldn’t keep them in-stock once word got out that a new one was available.When she was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, in March 2018, and began treatment, the town of Fairhope stepped in to offer the family all the support anyone could want. From taking her to appointments to bringing her meals when she couldn’t prepare them, to just sitting with her or even to play with her Labrador, Addison, Fairhopians genuinely do take care of their people. They all had met Linda one way or another, and they all wanted to help her because they said: “…she’s just the nicest kindest person they’d ever met.”If her life could be summed up in a Bible verse, it would be Ephesians 4:32 – “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” She always told her children to be kind and just to listen. To say she was the greatest Mother of all time, or the most loving Mother in the all the worlds would not begin to encompass her dedication and love for her children. Her blended family of 7 meant the world to her.Linda married Gene W. Martin on March 2, 1975. He preceded her in death on January 18, 2015. No matter the time or place, her love for Gene was felt by all. She is survived by seven children: Sons - Kiefer H. Wilson, wife Karin and their two daughters; and Geno Martin. Daughters - Kelley M. Eby, husband Terry; Kim Jones, husband David and their three children; Leesa Polanco, husband Terry and their three children; Leslee Dosier, husband Randal, and their seven children;Janene Wilson, husband Alex and their five children. Linda is also survived by 26 Great Grand Children.Linda is survived by three siblings as well – Brothers - Tom Cottrell and his wife Jamie; Tim Cottrell and his wife, Cathy; and Sister – Karen Cottrell. Together Linda has over a dozen nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.Please join us celebrating her life on Saturday, February 1, 2020, at 4pm at The Balcony on Church Street – 300 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope AL. We ask all who attend to wear white or light colors as we are not mourning our Mother… we are celebrating her.