Linda Garris Martin was born February 4, 1950, in Anson County, NC to Julian and Daisy Garris.  She was a dedicated and devoted member of Gospel Tabernacle for over 50 years.  She was raised in church from her youth, and at the age of 3 was filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues.  This was still evident in her life until her death.

In 1968 Linda married Tommy, the only boy she ever dated.  They met in the movie theater in Wadesboro where she caught his eye.  He started making googly eyes at her to get her attention.  She has kept his attention ever since.  She started singing in church in 1971 not long after her and Tommy joined the church during a revival.  This was an area of her life that she kept cultivated and surrendered to God.  Music and singing became an outlet for her.  She was raised in a musical home from her childhood so music was like second nature.  Linda joined the singing group, The Praisers, in the early 1970’s.  The group traveled to many different churches and venues to spread the gospel through song.  She was truly a vessel of the Lord wherever she went.  

During the 1970’s she also became choir director for the church.  She directed all the Cantatas during the holiday seasons.  She had a keen ear that was always able to point out who was off key.  She would give them a quick eye to let them know to get back in line.  In the early 1980’s she became worship leader for the church.  She flourished in this role and was able to lead up until her death.  She blessed many hearts and through her talent was able to lead many people to repentance.  

Linda loved the holiday season and would be heard saying on numerous occasions how it was her favorite time of year.  She would organize the making of the Chrismon ornaments during the year and the decorating of the Chrismon Tree every December.  She led the organization of Christmas Caroling, Fruit Bag assembling and Ladies Christmas Party for over 20 years.

Linda contributed and helped with the organization of the annual conventions meals.  When we stopped having conventions she started the monthly lunch on the first Sunday.  She was always looking for ways to bring the church together and fellowship with one another.

Linda also traveled to many places such as Augusta, Ga, Cherokee Falls, SC, Beckville, Tx, and Fort Worth, Tx, to support the ministry.  She supported and read for the pastor the scriptures as he preached for over 30 years.  Her booming voice still rings in the hearts of the people today that sat in the congregation during those services.  

Linda became the leader of the ladies group at church not long after the pastor’s wife passed in 1995.  She helped to coordinate important events that would arise during the year.  

Linda had a love for children and was a Sunday school teacher for several years.  She would help the children to learn the location of the bible scriptures.  She would give the children speed drills on who could find the scriptures the fastest.  She also helped in teaching classes and coordinating Vacation Bible School for the children every summer. 

Linda was so much more than a member of the church.  She never really thought of church as just a place to attend and gather.  She often said and I quote “You all are my family and I love each and every one of you”.  This is why we honor her and the life she lived today.