Carol Virginia Martin

In Loving Memory of Carol Virginia Martin

December 16, 1940 – July 22, 2025

Our sweet mom, Carol Virginia Martin, was born on December 16, 1940, in Gainesville, Georgia, to the late Ray and Lucy Burruss. She grew up in Gainesville, where she graduated from Gainesville High School and was honored as Homecoming Queen. She went on to attend Brenau University, earning her degree in Education and becoming a proud member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.

Carol raised her family in Dunwoody, Georgia, with her husband of over 50 years, Bill Martin. Together, they built a warm and joyful home filled with faith, love, and lasting memories. She was an active member of the Village Mill neighborhood and attended Dunwoody Baptist Church, where she cherished her Sunday school class and formed lifelong friendships. She also worked at the Family Life Center, where she greeted many with her kind heart and beautiful smile.

In 2016, Carol moved to Calhoun to be closer to family. There, she became a beloved part of the First Baptist Church of Calhoun, where she found joy in her Sunday school class, the local Garden Club, and her weekly bridge group. Her warmth and kindness continued to touch everyone around her.

Carol adored her family and was her grandchildren’s biggest cheerleader. Whether it was football, tennis, volleyball, wrestling, listening to her grandson play drums in church, or any special event—they could always count on “Gran” to be there, proudly wearing her grandkids’ sports buttons and cheering from the stands. She never missed a chance to support and celebrate the people she loved.

She is survived by her daughters, Angela Callahan and Meredith Gumm; her sons-in-law, Craig Callahan and Grayson Gumm; and her grandchildren, Ross and Taylor Callahan, Jacob Callahan, Kailey and Alden Abshire, Conner Gumm, and Marygrace Gumm. She also leaves behind her sister, Susan Hamm, and her brother, Ray Burruss Jr. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Lucy Burruss, and her husband, Bill Martin, who passed just one week before her.

To know Carol was to be loved by her. She had the kindest heart, the brightest smile, and a joyful spirit that made everyone feel seen and cared for. She never complained, always lifted others up, and lived her life with quiet strength, grace, and unwavering faith.

Carol loved Jesus, and her life was a beautiful reflection of His love.

Mom, thank you for the example you set, the love you gave so freely, and the memories we will carry with us forever. We miss you more than words can express.

Mom, you were our best friend.

The family will receive friends on Friday, July 25, 2025 from 12 PM until 2 PM at Thomas Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 2 PM from the Chapel of Thomas Funeral Home with Dr. John Barber officiating. 

Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 10 AM in Sawnee View Memorial Cemetery at 1390 Dahlonega Hwy, Cumming, GA 30040. 

If you wish to send flowers arrangements, please contact Thomas Funeral Home in Calhoun for a list of local florists. Donations may also be made in Carol’s memory to her Sunday school class at First Baptist Church of Calhoun.

You may leave the family online condolences at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com

Thomas Funeral Home has proudly been entrusted with the care of Carol Virginia Martin.