Edith Martin Ballinger Obituary

Mrs. Edith Martin Ballinger, of Three Links, KY, peacefully passed on October 29, 
2024, at the age of 86. Edith lived a life filled with purpose, kindness, and dedication. Alongside
her beloved husband Harold, for whom she cared deeply, Edith revived both the Sand Gap
Christian Church and the Three Links Christian Church. Together, they poured their hearts into
building the churches, not just as buildings but as cornerstones of community, faith, and support.
Edith and Harold found joy in marrying couples, offering wisdom, and creating a loving
place for worship. They shared a deep calling to look after those in need, whether it was sharing
meals, lending an ear, or offering a hand up. She made everyone feel important and never
dismissed even the smallest need. Being there for others wasn’t just a duty to her—it was a
source of pride. She wouldn’t let anyone leave their house without a gift. Her quiet generosity and
faith-filled life inspired many, and she always felt blessed to be part of such a close-knit
community.
In addition to her dedication to the church, Edith was a devoted schoolteacher who
treasured every student. She enjoyed riding her horse to her early days of teaching at the Owen
Allen School on Crooked Creek. Her students knew her classroom was a place where they’d be
encouraged and understood, and her love for teaching was only matched by her pride in seeing
her students succeed.
She is survived by her two sons, James (Carrie) Ballinger and Harold Jr. (Leslie) Ballinger;
two daughters, Joy (Anthony) Witt and Connie (Jeff) Philbeck, two siblings Mable (Armel)
Davidson and Jack (Darlene) Martin; along with seven grandchildren and five great
grandchildren who brought her endless joy. Her cherished husband, Harold Dean Ballinger, Sr.,
passed before her, but the love they shared will always be remembered. She is also preceded in
death by siblings Gene (Darlene) Martin and Mildred Newsome.
Edith’s memory will forever be a reminder of what it means to give selflessly, love fully,
and build a life on faith and compassion.
Funeral services for Mrs. Ballinger were conducted Saturday, November 2 at Three Links
Christian Church by Bros. Jack Martin, Grant Martin, and Armel Davidson. Burial followed in
Johnetta Cemetery with committal services by Bros. Hank Ballinger and Dale Ballinger.
Pallbearers were: Caleb Ballinger, Cole Ballinger, James Clay Ballinger, Wesley Lakes, Jeff
Philbeck, Eric Sparks, and John Paul Woodrum.
Arrangements were by Dowell & Martin Funeral Home.
Obituary provided by the family. Please visit www.DowellMartin.com or Dowell & Martin
Funeral Home’s Facebook page to view Mrs. Ballinger’s online obituary.