Carla Martin

MARTIN, Carla Jean - age 71, of Swartz Creek, MI, died August 16, 2022. Carla was born December 8, 1950 in Piggott, AR, the daughter of Winfred Martin and Joyce (Jacks) Phelps. She was a 1968 graduate of Swartz Creek High School. She, along with her twin sister Marla, raised Marla's daughter, Aimee, together.  Carla had a childcare service for many years, then later worked as a Special Education Aide at Swartz Creek Community Schools. Carla was a proud Liberal and had been a volunteer for the Democratic Party since the election of John F. Kennedy.  Whether it was her own family, ones she cared for when they were little, her kids on the bus, or the friends that she considered family, Carla had a quick smile and was full of love and affection for them all.  However, her real passion was always the care of children and she had a special place in her heart for them.  Most knew her as "Aunt Carla" and she created a safe haven of love and acceptance. Carla's nurturing character will be her true legacy.
Carla is survived by her twin sister and best friend, Marla Martin and their daughter, Aimee Martin (Michael Pitts). She was a devoted grandparent to Aimee's children; Harrison, Scarlett, and Vivienne Kihn and step-son, Connor Pitts.  Carla also leaves behind her nephews, David (Christina) Martin and James Martin; nieces, Elizabeth Martin-Creutz and Martha (Robert) Monroe, along with her many great-nieces and nephews that brought her so much joy; her step-mother, Carole Sopko-Martin; step-brothers and sisters from the Sopko family; the Jory family; and many cousins and other relatives that she loved dearly. Carla was preceded in death by her father, Winfred "Wink" Martin; mother, Joyce Phelps; and brother, Keith Martin. A memorial service will be held 5:30 PM Friday, October 14, 2022 at Swartz Creek United Methodist Church, 7400 Miller Road, Swartz Creek with Pastor Donny Martin officiating a dinner will follow at the church. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM at the church. Carla will be interred at Pilgrim's Rest Cemetery in Fairdealing, MO. Arrangements by Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek, MI 48473. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com