Patricia “Pat” A. Martin, age 86, of Clarksville, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Brookdale Avondale Assisted Living Facility in Jacksonville, Florida, after a lengthy illness. The daughter of Ann (Caldwell) and Charles Bascom Godwin, she was born in Jacksonville on September 21, 1939.
Mrs. Martin proudly served her country in the United States Army, retiring at the prestigious rank of Sergeant First Class and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. Her distinguished military career took her around the world, including assignments in Okinawa, Japan, and Heidelberg, Germany, as well as serving with the legendary 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Beyond her uniform, Mrs. Martin was an accomplished artist and photographer who adored her family and her dogs. She was also a dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Mrs. Martin was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward Durfee Martin III; her parents; her brothers, Robert "Bobby" Godwin and Charles Godwin; and her sister, Mary Mossman. Survivors include her niece and caretaker, Anica Staunton of Quincy, Massachusetts; her lifelong friend, Carol Hoffman; her sister-in-law, Wylene Godwin; her dear friends, Bob and Irene Wolfe; as well as several other nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Fort Donelson National Cemetery in Dover, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Patricia Martin to Shriners Hospital for Children (https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/give).
Arrangements entrusted to the dedicated care of BLACKBURN-CURRY FUNERAL AND CREMATION, 380 N. Lowder Street, Macclenny, Florida 32063, (904) 259-2806.