Cynthia Arlene Martin
July 17, 1942 ~ December 26, 2025
Cynthia Arlene Martin, of Tyler, Texas, was born on the 17th day of July 1942 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, to B.A. Hilliard and Mattie J. Scarborough Hilliard and went to be with the Lord on Friday, the 26th day of December 2025. She was 83 years of age.
Mrs. Martin is preceded in death by her parents B.A. and Mattie Hilliard; husband, Max Martin; son-in-law, Ray Ballard; sisters, Linda Gunnels and Barbara Mixon; and her brother, Stephen Hilliard.
She is survived by her five children and their spouses, Connie Ballard of Pearl, Mississippi, Vickie Wells of College Station, Texas, Susan Dorsey and husband Cavin of Palestine, Texas, Michael Martin and wife Michelle of Tyler, Texas, and James Martin and wife Kelly of Elkhart, Texas. She also leaves behind her sister, Sandra Nichols of Center, Texas; brother, Bernard "Bud" Hilliard, Jr. of Houston, Texas; twenty-one grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Martin's journey as a pastor's wife led her to serve alongside her husband in various congregations throughout East Texas, where she became a cherished member of each church family. She was a faithful member of Sheridan Terrace Baptist Church.
Mrs. Martin's love for Christmas was profound, and she reveled in the joy that the holiday season brought to her family. Her children and grandchildren were her world, and she cherished every moment spent with them. "Grandma" as she was affectionately called, had a unique way of making each grandchild feel special, often spoiling them with love and attention, and even joining in their video game adventures, much to their delight.
In quieter moments, Mrs. Martin found pleasure in working on word puzzles and delving into genealogical research. Her love for music often filled her home with melodies that echoed the harmony she fostered within her family.
Mrs. Martin's legacy is one of love and service. She will be remembered as a woman who lived her beliefs, loved without reservation, and brought joy to the lives of many. Her journey on Earth has ended, but her spirit will forever be a guiding light to all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from five o'clock until seven o'clock in the evening on Friday, the 2nd day of January 2026 at Rhone Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Cynthia Martin will begin at three o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 3rd day of January 2026 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow in Magnolia Ferry Cemetery where Mrs. Martin will be laid to rest next to her husband.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Michael Martin, Cavin Dorsey, James Martin, Jessica Nedbalek, Ashley Tally, and Rachel Hoffman.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions can be directed towards Vecinos en Cristo, 2204 Venture View, Palestine, Texas 75803.
Funeral services for Cynthia Arlene Martin are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit her online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with her family
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Our prayers and thoughts are with each of you. She was such a wonderful person.
Mrs. Martin was one of the nicest people I have ever met. She and her husband were both so loved by all the staff and consumers at the Palestine Resource Center where she worked for quite a while. We all treasured the time that we had with her and she will be missed by all who knew her. If you knew Mrs. Martin, you automatically loved her. She had the sweetest disposition and a heart for others.
Grandma you will be missed. You were such a beautiful soul and I know God is so happy to have you.. I love you so much❤️
Those of you who knew her know that her heart was always with children and making the world a brighter place for them. You always knew where you stood with her. She was kind. She was loving. She was selfless. She was a mother, a sister, a daughter, a wife and a friend to many. Goodness this is a huge loss for us yet a huge gain for her as I know she is at the feet of Jesus.
*side note: she’s not 83. She’s 39 and holding.
Oh how everyone loved Ms Cynthia! She was the sweetest most welcoming to all ! I know she will be greatly missed . Praying for your family sweet lady for peace and comfort!
God bless you, Beverly
GOD gives good gifts. In 1988 I met Mrs. Cynthia Hilliard Martin, my son Cavin’s future Mom-n-marriage. Our conversation started slowly, we took time learning about each other. We desired the same thing for our youngest offsprings – long, loving marriages with JESUS as their daily need.
Cynthia and I quickly became friends during the months before their wedding May,1989 because we had JESUS as Lord, we shared Scripture, REALLY enjoyed singing, reading and learning.
I enjoyed the love of the Martin household at Christmas. Attendance of my first Martin Family Christmas consisted of Max/Cynthia, their 3 children plus spouses, and 3 grandchildren. As the years passed the house became PACKED with people! I smile as write this memory.
I stopped by one Saturday morning to visit with Max/Cynthia because his health wasn’t good. I was greeted with a warm Hey and hug then offered a cup of coffee. What I thought would be a quick visit turned into hours as Cynthia, Susan, Connie and I sung hymns and worship songs around Max. I was invited back on Sunday and we continued singing and visiting.
As is the course of living comes the time of dying – it is SO hard to say “See you later” but this is not our home. We are placed here for one reason to glorify GOD by having a personal relationship Him through JESUS our Christ.
Well Dear Friend thank you! (1) For loving and embracing my son as yours (2) for teaching me many games (3) for your bold stand against wrong and injustice (4) for your love of singing (5) for sharing the title of Mom with me concerning Susan Arlene Martin Dorsey.
Thank You JESUS for Paul’s words in 2 Corin. 5:7,8 “for we walk by faith, not by sight – we are of good courage , I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord” NASB1995
Thank you Cynthia for being my friend; I’m looking forward to our next reunion!
To my beautiful, smart, passionate, funny, and strong-willed Grandma. Thank you for always staying true to yourself and for being such an amazing Christian role model. Thank you for always being there for me and our family…even the “adopted ones”. Thank you for the late night ice cream runs to Walmart. For passing on your love of learning, puzzles, and playing games. Thank you for always singing…even if you didn’t know all the words…that made it even better. And for the amazing dance parties in your living room to your records (Yakety Yak by The Coasters and Beep Beep by The Playmates were the best!). Thank you for sharing your love of Christmas. It’s my favorite too. I will always feel so special that you made Christmas magic for me by making my “Cookie Doll” that one year. Thank you for reading bedtime poems and for morning wake up songs. And for measuring our heights on your door any time we asked. Thank you for all of the grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup you made for us. My heart will always think of you when I eat those. Thank you for being so proud of every step and accomplishment in my life. Thank you for teaching me how to be kind and strong for myself and others. Thank you for always standing outside your home while smiling and waving goodbye to me, until you couldn’t see me any longer. And for always welcoming me with excitement and open arms. I am very blessed to have had you as my Grandma. You will truly be missed by so many. I look forward to the next loving welcoming. Until then, I love you.
Goodnight Angel.
I have many sweet memories of Ms Cynthia. She was always so kind and thoughtful to my whole family. She and Bro. Max were a big part of our life for many years, they helped shape the values and growth of our children. She always had a kind word and sympathetic ear when you needed one. Her spirit will be missed but we will always have her love in our hearts. Love and Prayers for the whole family!
Ms Cynthia was such a kind and sweet lady! She always had a good word and smile for everyone. She and Bro. Max had a big part in the growth and shaping of our kids lives. I’m so glad they watched and helped them grow You could count on her when you needed an ear to listen, a kind word or comfort to get through tougher times! She had a great spirit a warm hug and will always live in our hearts. We are deeply saddened for your loss.Love and Prayers for the whole family