Adrienne Irene Harton Martin's Obituary
Adrienne Irene Martin, 54, of Lithia Springs, Georgia, entered eternal rest surrounded by the love of her family. A devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, educator, mentor, and faithful servant, Adrienne was known for her unwavering faith, compassionate spirit, quiet strength, and lifelong commitment to serving others.
Born Adrienne Irene Harton on September 25, 1971, in Charleston, West Virginia, she later moved with her family to Chicago, Illinois, where she excelled academically and developed a love for dance and the Spanish language. A graduate of Evanston Township High School, she earned a merit scholarship to Howard University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1993. She later earned a Master of Arts in Communication from Georgia State University.
After beginning her career as a teacher, Adrienne moved to Atlanta in 1995. She spent several years in broadcast journalism as News Planning Manager and Assignment Editor at FOX 5 Atlanta before returning to her true calling—education.
For more than two decades, Adrienne dedicated her life to educating and inspiring students across metro Atlanta. She served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, academic specialist, and educational leader in both DeKalb County and Cobb County schools. At Green Acres Elementary School, she became a respected instructional leader who mentored teachers, led professional learning initiatives, and championed student success. She was honored as Teacher of the Year at Flat Shoals Elementary School and, in June 2024, fulfilled a longtime goal when she was named Assistant Principal at Green Acres Elementary in Cobb County while continuing to pursue her Tier I Leadership Certification and her dream of one day becoming a principal.
Adrienne's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Vonulrick Martin; her beloved daughters, Natalie Lorraine Martin and Madeleine Cynthia Martin; her mother, Geneva Hall; her brothers, Patrick (Angie) Harton and Lawrence (Sharon) Harton; cherished nephews, extended family, dear friends, colleagues, former students, and countless others whose lives were enriched by her kindness, wisdom, and enduring commitment to serving others.
The family will receive friends on Friday, July 24, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 25, at 11:00 AM at Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church, 492 North Marietta Parkway NE, Marietta, GA 30060. She will lie in state in the sanctuary from 10:00 to 11:00 AM before the service. Interment will follow the service at Mt. Harmony Memorial Gardens in Mableton, Georgia.
In honor of Adrienne's vibrant spirit, please consider wearing pink or pastels to the visitation and funeral service.
Your presence, prayers, and continued support are a tremendous source of comfort to our family as we honor Adrienne’s life, faith, compassion, and the love she shared with everyone she met.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to support the Martin family may contribute through the GoFundMe established in Adrienne’s memory. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation in her honor.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
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