Classie Mae Hunley-Martin

HISTORY OF CLASSIE MAE HUNLEY MARTIN
Classie is the second of eleven children born to Cora L. and Arthur L. Hunley in Deatsville, Alabama on November 27, 1918. Classie grew up in Deatsville on a large plantation called " flat" on the Ruffin's place, which was a large farming area. From day one Classie never liked the farm. Classie attended grade school at St. James Baptist Church where she accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age in the Deatsville creek. When she finished grade school, she attended Elmore County Training School in Wetumpka, Alabama where she completed the 11th grade. Classie was a great singer in her youth and young adult years. She and her sister Essie were famous throughout their community for duets at the local churches and singing conventions. Due to a lack of resources Classie began doing domestic work. Her first job was with the Dennison family. After working for the Dennison's she went to work for Mrs. Willie B. Roy who lived on the "wire" road. About 1939 Classie relocated from her small community to Birmingham, Alabama where she continued working in the domestic field.
In 1943 Classie left the state of Alabama and moved to Gary Indiana. She stayed with her aunt, Mary Williams. After about two months Classie moved to Evansville, Indiana. She lived with another aunt, Carrie Jones. Carrie and her husband Cap ran a laundry business in their home and Classie worked for them dong laundry and bookkeeping. About 1944 Classie met Ollie Martin who was a regular customer at the laundry business. He worked at the Swift Packaging Company. In 1945 they were married in Henderson, Kentucky by the Justice of the Peace. They lived on High Street for a brief time before moving into the Millterrace Apartments on the north west side of Evansville. Classie worked in a restaurant as a kitchen helper and later worked part-time in the domestic field during this period.
Classie began working full-time for the Foster family in 1947. In 1951 the Foster's encouraged Classie to buy a home. Classie and Ollie purchased a home on Tennessee street. In 1956 Classie's only child, Jan was born. In 1957 Classie's husband passed away from a heart attack. Her father Arthur passed away two months later.
Classie continued to work for the Foster's until they passed away. She worked for them for 27 years. in 1974 Classie began working for the Schaffer family.
In 1978 at the age of 60 Classie retired. Not being one to idly sit around, she began a new career of child care provider to her granddaughter, Radesha. She also worked part-time for the Dyna-Kleen Company until 1980. Also in 1978 Classie moved from Tennessee Street to a home on Chandler Ave.
Classie was a lifetime member of McFarland Baptist Church. She was an active member and dedicated worker until her health failed. She had been a Sunday school teacher, choir member, Mission worker, youth worker, kitchen worker and even landscaped flowers around the church. She served on the Mother's Board, prepared communion , lead devotion and helped other members whenever necessary. She cared for several convalescing members in their home and visited the sick and shut-in. She loved reading the Bible and conducted bible study in her home. Some of favorite scriptures were, 1Corinthians 13, the 23 Psalms, Romans 8:28, Romans 10:9 and Timothy 2:15.
Her love of music was very strong. She sang with the Senior Citizens choir and often accompanied the group to performances throughout the city. Some of her favorite songs were , "Let the Works I've Done Speak for Me", " If When You Give the Best of Your Service", "Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross', " Climbing High Mountains", "Only a Look" and " Have Thine Own Way". She loved gardening and each year had a bountiful garden of greens, cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, onions, squash, okra and green beans. Because of her exceptional green thumb she had beautiful flowers, shrubs and plants throughout her yard. She was an excellent cook and regularly treated her family and friends with meals. Anyone who has tasted her cooking could not forget the savory dishes and mouth watering deserts.
Classie has remained true to the Hoosier state for 73 years. Over the years while living away from her brothers and sisters she has always supported and helped her family including her aunts and uncles. she lived her life as a devoted Christian and the following motto truly describes her. " If I can help somebody as I travel along....if I can greet somebody with a word or song......then my living will not be in vain."