Fenollosia Clottee Martin

Fenollosia Clottee Magee Martin passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, after a lengthy illness, at the Dallas VA Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Her daughter lovingly describes her passing as “finishing her journey.”

Born in Garysburg, North Carolina, Fenollosia was the oldest daughter of eight children—five brothers and two sisters—born to James Beverly Magee and Louvenia Walden Magee. Raised on a farm, she learned early the meaning of responsibility, strength, and perseverance. As the eldest daughter, she helped care for her younger siblings, developing the firm resolve and steadfast nature that would characterize her throughout her life.

After graduating from high school, Fenollosia moved to Washington, D.C., where she later joined the United States Army, serving proudly in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). During her service, she met Harvey Lee Martin, and the two were married on February 5, 1958. Their marriage began a life shaped by military service, travel, and adaptability.

Following Harvey’s assignment to Germany, Fenollosia joined him overseas before the family returned to the United States and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. There, three of their four children were born in short order.  The family’s military journey continued to Alaska then on to Tennessee, Kentucky, and eventually back to Texas. They welcomed their fourth child in Maryland at Andrews AFB, born during Harvey's retirement training. Throughout these moves, Fenollosia often worked in personnel offices at the bases where they were stationed, supporting service members and their families while faithfully caring for her own.

Fenollosia was known for being highly personable, forming lasting friendships wherever life took her—across states, across oceans, and ultimately in Dallas, Texas, where she retired. Her children remember her as firm, strong-willed, and undeniably stubborn, yet deeply loving and unwavering in her commitment to family.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Christianity was central to Fenollosia’s life. She was raised Baptist, converted to Catholicism as an adult and later became an active member of a Pentecostal Christian church, where her faith continued to guide her words, actions, and outlook. Her spirituality anchored her through life’s many transitions and sustained her through her final season.

Fenollosia was preceded in death by her parents, James Beverly and Louvinia Walden Magee, and five of her siblings.

She is survived by her children: Lydia Grotti, MD; Dawn Kimberly Ann Martin; Hiawatha “Penny” Marie Martin; and Kenneth Martin. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, William and Mildred Magee, and her sister, Maxine Greene. She leaves behind nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, all of whom were a source of great pride and joy in her life.

Fenollosia Clottee Magee Martin lived a life marked by service, faith, resilience, and connection. Her journey—rich in love, discipline, and devotion—now rests in peace.