Rilda Martin

Rilda Best Miles Martin, age 96, resident of Phenix City, Alabama, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 2, 2020.  Private graveside services are being held at Marvin Chapel Cemetery, Graceville, Florida.

Mrs. Martin, daughter of the late Cora Best, was born November 18, 1923 in Graceville, Florida.  She was a devoted member of Lakewood Baptist Church.  Mrs. Martin worked in the textile industry, where she worked at Swift Mills and later at Specialty Distributing until her retirement.  She enjoyed spending time sewing and gardening.  Mrs. Martin loved helping others and taking care of her family, particularly the grandchildren.  She looked forwarded to preparing the Christmas meal for the family. 

Mrs. Martin’s granddaughter, Patti Lawler shared these words:  “We lost our Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Great-Great Grandmother after 96 years.  So many memories as she sewed dresses for me and my sisters when we were little, made and/or altered my cheerleading outfits, made a suit for me for homecoming in high school (after my Mom walked her legs off looking for one), lined us up for perms, made plum jelly, shelled peas, made all our favorite foods on Christmas Eve, made all her grandchildren quilts, and most of all, she and Granddaddy showed us the love of God.  She will be missed!”  Her son remembers her as an unselfish lady; the epitome of a Christian; one who shared her love for Jesus with others. 

Other than her parents, Mrs. Martin was preceded in death by her first husband, O.V. Miles; second husband, Hilton Martin; and son, Jimmy Ray Miles.  She is survived by one son, Jerry Miles and his wife Mary of Anderson, South Carolina; sister, Betty Fryer of Smiths, Alabama; eight grandchildren, Dee Owens and her husband Keith, Patti Lawler and her husband Phillip, Genia Webb, Kristi Williamson, Jeff Miles and his wife Ashley, Ricky Miles, Terry Miles and his wife Kate, and Mary Padgett and her husband Chris; 20 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great grandchildren; many other relatives and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Lakewood Baptist Church, 4011 Lakewood Drive, Phenix City, Alabama 36867 or Columbus Hospice at www.columbushospice.com.