Martha Collins Everett
Oct. 5, 1940 – April 9, 2016

Martha Collins Everett, 75, of Fort Pierce, Florida, passed away quietly at her home early Saturday, April 9, 2016 surrounded with love and her daughter, Beth, and grandson, Kevin. She had bravely fought her cancer for more than three years.  Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 16 at 2pm at Christ’s Sanctified Holy Church in Fort Valley, GA. Interment was in the church cemetery immediately following the service. Visitation was at 7pm on Friday, April 15 in the chapel on the campground in Fort Valley. She is predeceased by her husband of fifty years, Russell Winfield Everett. She is survived by her children Elizabeth Lloyd Everett, Fort Pierce, FL, and Paul Collins Everett, San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, and her grandchildren Kevin Thomas Clark Jr., Port St. Lucie, FL, and Stella Sydney Everett, Chincoteague, VA.  She is also survived by her sister, Billie Rae Smith, her husband Capt. M.E Smith (USN ret.) and her brother-in-law Fred Merritt, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Martha was also predeceased by her sister Louise Merritt. Martha was born in Salisbury, MD to the late Lloyd and Stella Collins on October 5, 1940. Martha lived most of her life on Chincoteague Island, VA until she and Russell retired and moved from their home in Virginia to Hutchinson Island in Fort Pierce ten years ago. Martha had many talents in her work and she began her career by forming Town Interiors, Inc. doing interior design. She and Russell then started their own business, The Everett Corporation in the 1960s. They saw a need for the new tourism industry on the island and started many businesses centered in the hospitality industry. They started by building and managing the Mariner Motel and the The Flagship Restaurant. She was the owner of the Virginia Fried Chicken but was most well known for her constant presence in the Landmark Crabhouse. She was active in the community as well and served many years as the President of the Chamber of Commerce in Chincoteague. While Martha loved to work and complete projects, she had many hobbies as well. She loved to travel and visited many places around the world. Fishing was her favorite hobby and she and Russell took many vacations centered around fishing trips. Her family would like to thank Dr. Michaela Scott, her oncologist and her caring nurses Asha Nawal and Merlyn Pascal, as well as Sylvia Bocsz and the staff at Treasure Coast Hospice.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Watson-Hunt Funeral Home, 1208 Main St., Perry, GA, and her services by Christ’s Sanctified Holy Church, 2500 N. Hwy. 41, Fort Valley, GA 31030. Officiating are the Revs. Harry Collins III and Alice Collins.  Condolences may be left for the family in the online register at www.watsonhunt.com.