Mrs. Alva Martin is a native of Bogalusa, LA. She was married to the late William L. Martin and mother of Dr. Carmen P. Martin Abston, wife to Attorney Willie T. Abston of Brandon, MS. She is the grandmother of Niles and Niel Abston.

Mrs. Martin is a 1964 graduate of Central Memorial High School in Bogalusa, LA. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Art Education and Social Sciences at Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA. She received her Masters Degree in Special Education and Reading Specialist Certification from the University of Detroit, and continued her education earning a +30 from Southern Louisiana University.

Mrs. Martin is professionally affiliated with LRTA, having served two terms as LRTA district III president and as district II 2^nd vice president, also serving two terms  as LRTA district president representative on the Executive Committee, two terms as former president of the Bogalusa Retired Teachers Association, a member of Concerned Citizen Association of Angie, LA and National Association of Professional Women. Mrs. Martin also served on the LRTA budget committee for two terms, supporting LRTA by actively showing up at the State Capitol during regular legislative session.

Mrs. Martin has volunteered on Tech One To Lead One mentoring program for youth and continues to volunteer on the prison ministry to Raborn Correctional Center. She is also an active member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Varnado, LA having served as senior choir president,

Mrs. Martin was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society in Education in 1983. She continues to support and volunteer in her community, parish and state whenever the need arises. She loves to travel places with her family and friends, experiencing new things and meeting new people.