F. MARTINA THURMOND's Obituary
THURMOND, F. Martina, 96 died peacefully at The Palace Gardens Homestead on Jan. 20th, 2017. Born in Atlanta, GA in 1920, her family moved to Miami in 1925 establishing Thurmond Monument Co. across from Woodlawn Cemetery North through the late 1980’s. She resided in Coral Gables for 72 years. Martina co-founded Southern Keys Cemetery on Big Coppitt Key, Key West with her brother, Dan Thurmond in 1955. Upon his death in 1983, she owned and operated Southern Keys Cemetery until 2012 and was a resident of Key West for 34 years. Martina’s design and artwork can be seen throughout Key West as etched doors, windows and signs as well as monuments in Miami and Key West cemeteries. Martina was an active member of Miami and Key West Zonta (a worldwide organization of executives in business and the professions working together to advance the status of women) and the Precepter Gamma Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi (a social, cultural and service non-profit organization made up of women from all walks of life interested in promoting friendship through cultural and service programs) through her 90’s. She is adored by all her sorority “Sisters”. Zonta partnered with FKCC to establish the Martina Thurmond Ongoing Education Scholarship designed to assist women 30+ years old for career advancement and continuing education. Martina did extensive civic and charity work throughout her life including Save the Biltmore effort in the 1970’s. Although Martina never married, she is survived by generations of loving nieces, nephews and cousins. She is recently pre-deceased by her nephew Dr. Jerry Hudson. Niece Gayle Owens and great-niece Jodi Pupo were at her side during her final days. A visitation will be held 5 pm – 8 pm and service 7 pm Thursday Jan. 26th at VAN ORSDEL CORAL GABLES CHAPEL with a graveside SERVICE at Woodlawn Cemetery North. A Key West Memorial Service will be held at Southern Keys Cemetery, Big Coppitt Key (MM 10), Key West at a future date.
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