Erwin, Martha Bachman Fain

Martha Bachman Fain Erwin, 80, passed away at NHC Health Care Center in Johnson City, Tenn. on Thursday, December 14, 2006.

She was born in Sullivan County, Tenn. on March 1, 1926 to the late Joseph and Gladys Fain. She was a graduate of East Tennessee State University and was an elementary school teacher and substitute teacher in Tennessee and Virginia for many years. Mrs. Erwin was instrumental in the founding of a nursery school at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Christiansburg, Va. and taught there for several years. She was an accomplished storyteller and entertained many with stories of old and original ones as well. Throughout her life Mrs. Erwin was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her generous and kind spirit touched many.

She was a member of Windsor Avenue Presbyterian Church in Bristol, Tenn. Mrs. Erwin enjoyed competing in the Senior Olympics and was an advocate of wellness and joyful living.

Her husband of 49 years, Joseph Ralph Erwin, Jr. and a daughter, Sandra Erwin Dick, precedes her in death. A daughter Rebecca Steele and husband Greg Steele of Fernandina Beach, Fla., a daughter Mary Hughes and husband Cliff of Christiansburg, Va., a son Joe Erwin and wife Becky of Johnson City, Tenn. and a son-in-law, Jeff Dick of Charlottesville, Va., survive Mrs. Erwin. Her grandchildren Ashley Strand and husband Steve of Lawrence, Kan., Joshua Dick of Charlottesville, Va., Michael and Sarah Erwin of Johnson City, Tenn. also survive her. A brother-in-law, Curtis Erwin of Ocala, Fla. and nephews David and Danny Erwin of Columbia, S.C. also survive her. Mrs. Erwin also leaves to cherish her memory many loving friends.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at Weaver Funeral Home in Bristol, Tenn. on Saturday, December 16, 2006. The funeral service will follow immediately after the visitation. Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 17, 2006 at the Fain Family Cemetery in Kingsport, Tenn. Those wishing to make memorial contributions may send them to Camp Holiday Trails, 400 Holiday Trails Lane, Charlottesville, Va. 22903. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is serving the Erwin Family.