The Voices of Martinsville

The Voices of Martinsville is an oral history project that seeks to preserve memories connected to this landmark and the overall neighborhood. Through interviews with Martinsville elders, church members, and descendants, we will document personal stories of birth, caregiving, and community strength.

These stories will be archived on the SCMC website and the University of Kentucky Nunn Oral History Library. The stories will be shared through audio, photography, social media, and public storytelling events, ensuring this chapter of Shelby County’s history will not be lost.

Thanks to the unwavering leadership of Pastor Ron Walker and church elder Sister Sylvia Marshall our church will receive a historical marker on October 19, 2025. On this day, we plan to launch the first of many Voices of Martinsville storytelling events. We recognize that this is a time when community memory is rapidly fading. This project offers a way to honor the past, educate the present, and awaken a new future.

We invite you to learn more about our journey through the Voices of Martinsville Project, which is a living testament to the strength, history, and unity of our community. If you would like to be interviewed, call or text us at 502-837-6975.

We give special thanks to the following individuals for sharing their wisdom and memories with us.

Mrs. Jean Stoner - 4th generation Martinsville resident & retired state government employee born at Daisy Saffell.

Mrs. Brenda “Friday” Jackson - long-time Martinsville resident who served in state government and on the Shelby County School Board, & was born at Daisy Saffell Memorial Hospital.

Mrs. Sanda Jones - local historian with expertise in Shelby County African American history, responsible for creating “Community Tapestry,” an event celebrating the history and role of local black churches.

Mr. Trace Kirkwood – local historian, author of the KY Heritage Council report on Kentucky African American Hospitals.

Mr. Jim Booker - a former Martinsville resident with memories of visiting Daisy Saffell Hospital in childhood.

Mrs. Sue-Bob Ellis - Former Martinsville resident who gave birth at Saffell Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Raymond “Rock” Beach, Jr - grew up in Martinsville and was the Martinsville Hornet Club caretaker.

Mrs. Sylvia Marshall, a former Martinsville resident, is the Shelby Congregational Methodist Church historian.

Mrs. Barbara Marshall - grew up in Martinsville, born at Daisy Saffell Memorial Hospital.

Mrs. Mary McNeal- a long-time Martinsville resident (50 years), one of the oldest living residents.