Terra Kim Martin

Terra Kim Martin - Mom, 63, passed away on March 18, after a long battle with covid19. She fought long and hard but the virus completely deteriorated her body. Suffering for months and watching her loved ones look on helplessly. Terra made a choice to breathe on her own or not at all and with the Lord having the final say he called her home and she became our angel. Mom was born Terra Kim Norman at 3:15 pm on February 9, 1958, in Richmond California to Evelyn Neil Redfield and William Golieb Meidinger. Terra was the youngest of 4 children Claudette, Dennis, and Jolynn. She also often mentioned Jeff she called him “kinda like a brother” and a best friend. Mom often told stories of her and Jolynn spending lots of time together as children they loved dressing up and pretending to be movie stars. Claudette was always like a second mom to her and later like a grandma to Terra's kids. Terra grew up in the Bay area and later moved to Rio Linda where she finished off her teenage years. When Terra was 9 years old she was diagnosed with a rare bone disease. This bone disease deteriorated her hips and required surgery which left her in a wheelchair for several years. Doctors didn't think she would ever walk again but with determination, stubbornness, and God's help, she began walking. This was the first of many things she overcame. Terra lost both her parents at the young age of 16 and in the same year. This played a big part in her life. She wanted nothing more than a family. She wanted to be the mom she longed for and she wanted to feel that unconditional love she felt was taken from her when her parents died. This also left Mom with a fear that she was going to leave her children motherless at a young age and gave her anxiety when anyone she loved was sick fearing the worst. Terra is survived by her 3 kids Zoe Brooks, Heather Martin, and Albert Vanderhoof as well as her 7 grandchildren Talisiana Burnett, Alyia Burnett, Zoe Burnett, Kira Haynes, Prince Haynes, Kaylani Vanderhoof, and Tyler Vanderhoof. Terra was a good mom. She had struggles but always found a way and her kids never went without. Terra was a very intelligent person; she knew a little bit about everything and always had a home remedy for anything. The best part about her was her heart. I remember growing up we had all the neighborhood kids living with us and eating dinner at our house even on days when she didn't have much to give, she always made it work and made sure no one went hungry or without a place to stay. She would make homemade costumes on Halloween for us and anyone in need. If she saw a sale she would buy for anyone she could think of even if she knew that was her last dollar. Mom you are truly going to be missed and life won't be the same without you but I know you're not in pain and even though we can't see you. You are one of the best people anyone could ever have known. You're our angel!