Peachtree – Jones-town, Penn., was the birthplace of Cynthia Martin in 1958. Martin would grow up and attend high school in Pennsylvania.
One of her early jobs was as a law enforcement officer after she studied that in college. In 1989, Martin relocated from Cleveland, Ohio, to Murphy, and today she lives in Peachtree.
Two strokes have left Martin unable to continue doing many of the things she has always enjoyed, such as crocheting. She does, however, like reading.
Several of Martin’s friends have come forward to speak on the generous and soft-spoken lady’s behalf.
As a member of the Rotary Club of Murphy, she was recently recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow, which is bestowed to members who have either donated more than $1,000 or have spent significant hours volunteering. The program was established by Rotary International in 1957.
Trevis Hicks, past president of the Rotary Club of Murphy, said Martin has done both.
“Cyndi is such an amazing person. She has a beautiful heart and gives 120 percent of it to her communities,” Hicks said.
“She’s one of the reasons that my terms as Rotary of Murphy president were successful. She gave countless hours to all of the service projects that we had. She always went above and beyond to make people smile and feel welcome.
“She’s truly an angel on Earth, and I am so glad to call her friend.”
Murphy Mayor Tim Radford agreed.
“I am immensely proud to have been asked by Rotary Club of Murphy President Cecilia Crawford-Faulkner to present the Paul Harris Fellow to an exceptional community volunteer, Cyndi Martin,” Radford said.
“Cyndi has embodied the spirit of Rotary through her tireless dedication and selfless service. She is truly worthy of this prestigious award, and her contributions are a shining example of what Rotary stands for.”
Nancy Helms, retired Cherokee County Schools personnel, volunteers with the Grape Creek Homemakers and is a member of the Eastern Star. She speaks highly of Martin, who alongside Helms has spent hours volunteering at the Unaka Senior Center along with numerous other local organizations.
“She’s been a general super supporter, and anything that came up she was there,” Helms said of Martin.
Martin said of the honor, which was presented to her at Murphy Rehab & Nursing, “I like helping people. I was happy and kinda glad that I got it.”