Pat Martin, widow of former Congressman Jim Martin and Miss Alabama 1955, dies at age 92 in Gadsden
Remembering Patricia Huddleston Martin: A Life of Music, Community, and Conservation
Patricia Huddleston Martin, a beloved member of the Gadsden community, passed away on June 13 at the age of 92. Born and raised in Clanton during the 1930s and 1940s, Pat’s remarkable journey included graduating as a music major from the University of Alabama in the early 1950s and winning the Miss Alabama title in 1955. Her talents led her to the Miss America pageant in 1956 and performances in New York musicals, including the Broadway show “Juno.”
In the 1950s, she married James D. “Jim” Martin, an influential businessman in Gadsden, with whom she shared over six decades of marriage until his passing in 2017. Together, they were instrumental in local conservation efforts and community engagement, playing significant roles in the early Alabama Republican Party. Jim Martin, a candidate for U.S. Senate and later a Congressman, faced notable electoral challenges, including a run for governor against Lurleen Wallace.
The Martins were deeply involved in their church and community initiatives. Patricia was active with the Republican Women’s group and taught Sunday School, known for her captivating rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer.” Their legacy of conservation was further immortalized in the 2022 documentary “Forever Wild: The James D. Martin Story.” Pat’s life was celebrated at a funeral service on June 21 at Gadsden First United Methodist Church, where she was laid to rest at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham, reuniting with her beloved Jim.
Read the complete article here: https://1819news.com/news/item/pat-martin-widow-of-former-congressman-jim-martin-and-miss-alabama-1955-dies-at-age-92-in-gadsden
