Patricia Annette "Berriene" Martin
May 24, 1935 ~ September 1, 2023
Born in:
Dolthan, Alabama
Resided in:
Rye, Colorado
Berriene Martin passed away on September 1, 2023, at her home in Rye, Colo. Born Patricia Annette Martin on May 24, 1935, in Alabama to William B. Martin and Jule Taylor Martin, Berriene had two brothers, William B. Martin Jr. and Bruce Martin, who all preceded her in death.
Growing up on a farm in Blakely, Ga. music was in the air. Singing solos by age 6, Berriene was much encouraged to pursue vocal performance as a career. She taught herself guitar, clarinet, harmonica, bass, and banjo, and earned a music degree from Southern Baptist Theologian Seminary in Louisville, Ky., after which she taught elementary school.
Although teaching came naturally to her, the call to perform inspired her to go “on the road” in 1968 performing in a duo, Pedagogues, which aptly means “teachers”. Under her direction as lead vocalist, producer, and arranger, the duo contributed to seven seasons at the historical Pioneer Playhouse in Danville, Ky. as songwriters’ instructors, actors, directors, and professional entertainers. Their albums and single releases included many of Berriene’s original songs and were performed in an off-Broadway production, “Look Forward to Yesterday”, that earned a 2-year run at the Pioneer Playhouse. 10 years and two albums later she was ready for a change and relocated to Colorado in 1978.
Ultimately, she and her business partner Barbara Higdon found the Wet Mountain Valley and Rye. Knowing they were HOME, she again enjoyed “The Sounds of Life” in the air. In the early ’90s, she and Barbara joined forces to help others realize their dreams, opening Wingbourne Music Recording Studio, an independent record label and music publishing company.
Neighbors became beloved friends and adopted family all sharing a love for the many gifts of wide-open spaces, sunrises, birds singing, pine trees, and more, including horses and cats. Her love for pecans, grits, and peaches kept her Georgia roots fed from a distance.
No funeral will be held at her request, and her remains will be cremated and interred at Cedar Springs Cemetery, Early County, Georgia.
Memorials in her name may be sent to Gentiva Hospice, 1320 Fortino Blvd., Ste C, Pueblo, CO 81008. Online condolences may be left at www.MontgomerySteward.com
Berriene, thank you for believing in my music and me, friend. -For your hard work and treasured love.
I’m forever grateful for you. Don’t worry. We’ll still share that bottle of champagne waiting for us, just on the other side.
I love you.