Ina Walsh Martin

Ina Walsh Martin, also known as Miny, died peacefully at Shaire Center in Lenoir on Tuesday morning, April 28, 2026. She was 96 years old. Born in Wilkes County on October 6, 1929, she was the daughter of Vilas Triplett and Margaret Elizabeth (Lizzie) Walsh.

Other than her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Daniel (Dan) Willie Martin, her son Daniel Willie Martin II (Danny), granddaughter Lyndsey Mohar Bennett and brother Clinton Walsh.

Many friends and family were fascinated by her stories of growing up on Beaver Creek during the years known as the Great Depression. She tells of learning to sew at a young age, making molasses, carrying in firewood, milking cows and square dancing to name a few. Ina could always find fun bicycling and skating with some of her 81 first cousins. After high school she met Dan and they began raising a family together in Lenoir. She retired as Director of Residential Textiles from Bernhardt Furniture after 30 years of employment. She met many people in those years and considered all of them family. Wherever she went she knew someone. If you knew her, you know how much she loved people. Always the first to arrive and last to leave at an event.

Famous for her creamed style corn, German Chocolate cake and amaryllis flowers she was also known for her competitiveness. She loved playing Rook, Hand and Foot and Rummikub with friends and family. Or if you preferred, she would try to find a connection to you in her 44,000 genealogy records and then you would be a relative.

Probably the last thing that should be said about Ina is that she had an inner strength and memory that was legendary until her final days. How would pillars stand straight without a sturdy foundation? She was the foundation that enabled her family to stand strong.

She is survived by her daughter, Renee Martin Smith (Greg Shull); son, Neal Martin (Beth); grandchildren, Willie Martin, Martin Smith (Becca), Trey Martin, Taylor Smith, Jordan Martin Jones (Nate), and Chad Mohar (Stacie); great grandchildren Lyllian, Mya and Landon Martin, Eli Bennett, Barrett Smith, Henry Jones and Archer Smith. Ina is also survived by her sisters Betty Jo (BJ) Setzer and Vivian (Cokie) Taylor, (the 3 of them were known as the Walsh sisters) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests memorials be made to First Baptist Church of Lenoir, Music Department, 304 N Main Street, Lenoir, NC 28645 or Amorem, 902 Kirkwood Street NW, Lenoir, 28645

The family extends their grateful appreciation to all her friends, family and loving staff at Shaire Center in Lenoir. The cards, visits, phone calls, love and attention given during her period of declining health was remarkably uplifting to the whole family.

A celebration of Ina’s life will be held at 11:00am Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Lenoir, 304 N. Main Street, Lenoir, NC 28645 with Dr. Josh Hughes and Rev. Robert Livingston

officiating. Following the service a reception will be held at Cedar Rock Country Club, 2065 Cedar Rock Estate Dr. Lenoir NC 28645. Burial will be private.