Pioneering home economist Mary Martin dies at 97

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Mary Rosa Caldwell Martin, a mainstay home economist who spent 32 years with Mecklenburg County Extension Service, died Dec. 19, 2025, at age 97.

Mary Rosa Caldwell Martin, whose work as a home economist made her one of Charlotte’s most-recognizable advocates of home life, died Dec. 19, 2025, at age 97. 

Funeral service was held Jan. 11, 2026, at Berean Seventh Day Adventist Church.

A North Carolina A&T State University alumna, Mrs. Martin earned an undergraduate degree in elementary education and master’s in home economics. In 1960, she was hired by Mecklenburg County as a demonstration agent in the Extension Service, a job relegated to Black employees. Over 32 years with the county, Mrs. Martin trained and organized with the Leadership Home Maker and 4-H clubs in addition to training hundreds of students annually in clothing construction classes.

Mrs. Martin conducted sewing and craft fairs at the Convention Center in Uptown that drew thousands of fabric distributors, sewing machine dealers and other industry-related professionals.
In addition to her professional skill in home economics training and work, Mrs. Martin was especially well-known for the hats she wore, many of which she made. 

Mrs. Martin’s expertise led to a historic crossover into broadcasting as the first Black person to do live television on Charlotte’s three stations. She was also a regular on WGIV radio, whose audience was predominantly Black.

After retiring from the Extension Service, Mrs. Martin authored a book, “Blot The Spot,” and earned a patent for the Precision Stitch Tutor, a sewing tool sold across the country, including Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. 

Mrs. Martin was married to former Charlotte City Council member and Mecklenburg County commissioner Hoyle Martin more than 70 years before his death in 2021. Survivors include three of their four children, nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. 

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