A woman who made a career of shattering the proverbial glass ceiling and whose contributions to Bulloch County span more than four decades was honored Thursday by the Archibald Bulloch Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
    After announcing Judge Faye Sanders-Martin would be named the group’s second “Women in American History” award recipient in October, DAR members formally recognized the pioneering court justice during their annual Christmas luncheon at Holiday Inn.
    Judge Martin was determined an ideal match for the honor, which celebrates women who have made a contribution or difference in their communities; who are, or have been, intellectual, educational, social, religious, political, scientific or cultural innovators, said Patricia Long, Recording Secretary for the Archibald Bulloch chapter.
    The Stilson native was the first female attorney in Bulloch County — at 22 years old — the first woman to be appointed to the Georgia Superior Court bench (1978) and the first woman Chief Superior Court Judge in Georgia.
    She was appointed to a lifetime appointment as Senior Superior Court Judge of the State of Georgia upon retirement from the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit in 2000.
    Martin was on-hand Thursday to accept a commemorative certificate before family, friends and visitors from regional DAR chapters.
    “I am grateful and appreciative of this prestigious award from the Daughters of the American Revolution,” Martin said. “I thank you so much.”
    The judge said the recognition carries additional weight, as it comes from a group in which she considers herself a part.
    “Being honored by DAR has a very special meaning to me,” she said. “The organization is one that honors those who fought in the American Revolution and their descendents — or ‘daughters.’ I am a daughter of the American Revolution. So, it really means a lot to me.”
    DAR members say Martin’s selection was a no-brainer.
    “We are happy to reward Judge Martin the ‘Women of History’ award because she is a woman of history,” said Jan Anderson, Regent for the Bulloch Chapter. “She has made her own mark on history and created a path for women who want to follow her lead. She has put Bulloch County on the map, so to speak, and we are very proud of her. She was the perfect choice for this.”
    In addition to receiving a certificate, Martin will have a resumé documenting her accomplishments sent to the DAR national chapter to be published on its website. 
    She joins World War II veteran Capt. Roxie Remley, who served with the Women’s Army Corps, as the only winners of what will become a yearly award given by the DAR.
    Approximately 50 people, including representatives for Evans and Tattnall County DAR chapters, attended the luncheon.
    The program included a medley of original musical compositions by singer/songwriter Archie Jordan.
    Jordan, who calls Metter home, has twice been nominated for Grammy awards, has eight number one songs to his credit and has written music for Ronnie Milsap, Kenny Rogers, Tina Turner, Glenn Campbell and others.
   
    Jeff Harrison can be reached at (912) 489-9454.