Dr. Grace Burkett Martin, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Armstrong Atlantic State University and widow of Herbert Russell Martin Jr., died March 7, 2026 at home following a short illness. She was born August 27, 1938, to Grace Briggs Burkett and John Hazel Burkett in Sumter, S.C. The family moved to Savannah in the 1940's. She graduated from Savannah High School in 1956.

"Tommie", as she was affectionately called by family and longtime friends, thought of the decades of her life as seasons and embraced the challenges and opportunities of each. In the 60's she devoted herself to being a wife, mother of three, homemaker, church worker, and volunteer. She was one of three who were the first female layreaders in the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia. She was selected Mrs. Savannah, Mrs. Georgia, and a runner-up in the Mrs. America contest.

In the 70's she earned a degree magna cum laude in psychology from Armstrong State College. As an undergraduate student with the help and encouragement of the ASC administration she organized Women of Worth (WOW), a support and information network for reentry women. WOW significantly increased the number of over-twenty-five year old students on campus. She went on to earn both a master's and doctorate in psychology from The Florida State University. At FSU she formed the habit of presenting several peer reviewed papers to professional audiences every year until her retirement.

In 1980 she joined the Armstrong faculty. After three years she was selected head of the department of psychology and, a few years later, also director of the general studies degree program. These positions enabled her to continue her lifelong commitment to returning adult students. Her published dissertation which looked at the cry of newborn infants was picked up by AP and UPI and resulted in media attention in 28 countries. National television and newspapers carried stories and interviews.

In the 90's she experienced the joy of twice becoming a mother-in-law and the birth of her first and only grandchild, as well as the sorrow of widowhood. She was selected head of the division of social and behavioral sciences at Armstrong and later interim dean of the college of arts and sciences. She coauthored a vocational and guidance policy manual for world leaders published by UNESCO in 7 languages. She also coauthored a cross-national study of working women which became part of the findings of the International Work Importance Study.

As the twentieth-first century began, Tommie retired and announced that she intended to spend the rest of her days enjoying her friends and family. And she did just that! She was especially grateful for the companionship of Thomas E. Stanley, Jr. who died in 2008.

She was a member of many learned and professional societies as well as a licensed psychologist. Her current memberships included the Savannah Yacht Club, The Chatham Club, and St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Her biographical sketch was repeatedly listed in Who's Who of American Women, Who's Who in America, and Who's Who in the World.

Her husband, Russell, died in 1995 and her son Herbert Russell Martin III died in 2022. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law Carolyne DesChamps and Dr. Jackson Paul Morgan, a daughter Melinda Martin Bailey, and a grandson Bryce Hosford Bailey and his wife Shivani.

A funeral service and interment will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 2 St. Thomas Avenue, Isle of Hope, at 2:00 PM on Friday March 13, 2026. The family will receive guests immediately following in the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that gifts might be sent to St. Thomas Episcopal Church or Hospice Savannah.