Obituary – Michelle Swan Martin

Michelle Swan Martin, 71, of Richmond, departed for Heaven on July 27, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents, John L Swan and Dorothy Andrews Swan. She is survived by her husband, Franklin Martin; daughter, Angela Martin (Fiance, Matt McDonnell); brothers, Jon L. W. Swan (Barbara), Gary H. Swan; nieces and nephews, Jon Swan (Shelley), Jonna Thoma (Thomas), Gabriel Swan, Christopher Martin (Katie) and their children Riley and Katelyn Thoma; Evelyn and Charlotte Swan, Gabriel Swan, Leo Martin.

Michelle Martin moved from her Earthly home to a Heavenly one on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. Born in Pasadena, Texas on November 3, 1949, to John and Dorothy Swan, the family settled in Richmond in the mid-1950s. Michelle graduated from Hermitage High School in 1967, and later received an Associate’s Degree from John Tyler Community College in Office Sciences in 1969. It was at JTCC that she met her future husband, Frank, and they were married on August 22, 1970. Following graduation, Michelle pursued a long career as an office and insurance specialist for prominent medical practices in the Richmond area.

Michelle retired in 2010 to enjoy more time with her family and friends, and to pursue other interests. She became a valued supporter of Feed More and other institutions providing support to families in the Richmond area. At Feed More, she became known as “the Peanut Butter Lady” whenever she delivered a pickup truck load of that or other food products. Other organizations supported included Comfort Zone Camp and YMCA of Greater Richmond. Michelle was a long-term member of Hatcher Memorial Baptist Church.

Michelle became an avid golfer and long-term member of the Belmont Ladies Golf Association, and also played whenever the opportunity arose. She and Frank became frequent visitors to the Pinehurst area, enjoyed frequent Caribbean cruises, and trips to many Southern towns and beaches. They traveled to the Scottsdale area often, as well as other Western States and National Parks. These travels led Michelle to an interest and talent in photography, and she became quite talented.

Her daughter, Angela, was the light of her life and in recent months Michelle was totally dedicated to planning and preparing for her wedding. Mother and daughter were inseparable, and they had many mutual interests to share. Among them were photography, an interest that Angela excels at today.

Entertaining was another passion of Michelle’s and she loved nothing more than to make others happy through her incomparable cooking talents. She provided many lavish formal dinners and casual cookouts, for family and friends whenever she could…regardless of the mess to clean up afterwards.

Michelle’s smiles, laughter, encouragement to others, and undying kindness to all will be sorely missed. She taught by example to live in the moment and to enjoy life to the fullest. What she taught us all has undoubtedly set the bar for greater success and happiness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Feed More, Hatcher Memorial Baptist Church, or other organization of your preference.