Mary Lou Poteete Martin

Mary Lou Poteete Martin, of Warren, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 23. Mrs. Martin and her husband of 59 years, Curry Martin Jr., directed the vocal and instrumental music programs of the Warren schools for almost 30 years. In addition, Mary Lou served as the organist for the First United Methodist Church of Warren for over 20 years. Mrs. Martin was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Ruby Poteete of Perryville, and a brother, Robert, of Chicago, Illinois, and her husband. Mary Lou Poteete attended Arkansas State Teachers College (now called UCA) in Conway, where she met her future husband. They played together in a college dance band, the "Top Hatters." During her nearly three-decade teaching career, Mrs. Martin led the Warren choirs to numerous awards and honors. Her legendary attention to detail in directing the madrigal, girls ensemble and mixed chorus will always be fondly remembered. A member of the Arkansas Choral Directors' Association, Mrs. Martin was famous for her ability to play an accompaniment perfectly at first sight, a talent that was used for hundreds of Warren band and choir students at regional and state competitions. In her spare time, Mrs. Martin also coached the majorettes, designing and perfecting their routines. She also helped put out the fire batons and jump rope at Homecoming halftimes. Mary Lou Martin's cooking talents were also legendary. Her chili dogs, from the football concession, sold so well that at one point "Thousands and Thousands Sold" went up on a sign at the stand. Mrs. Martin's trademark dill pickles were also very popular across the state and throughout the Warren community. Mary Lou taught private piano lessons for many years, and she was in demand for her sewing, monogramming, and alterations work. Mrs. Martin filled her retirement years with quilting, watching grandchildren grow up, and tending her garlic and dill plants. She raised green plants in her sun room. She took a yearly trip with her "Florida Girls." She continued leading the church choir from the organ bench until she retired from that job. She is survived by three children: Marty Martin and wife Kari of Hamburg; Shelley Martin of Hot Springs; and Lucinda Hemmick and husband Tom of Cutchogue, Long Island, New York: four grandchildren, Jeff Martin and Tarah Martin Selby of Hamburg, Joshua Martin of Hot Springs, and Nicholas Hemmick of Tampa, Florida; and two great-grandchildren. A private graveside service will he held on Sunday, April 29, at 1:30 p.m. A 2 p.m. memorial service and reception will be held at the First United Methodist Church on Sunday April 29th in Warren. Memorials preferred The Martin Scholarship Fund, c/o Daniel Williams, Warren High School, Box 1210, Warren, Arkansas 71671. Arraignments by Frazer's Funeral Home. Online guestbook www.frazerfuneralhome.com.