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Queen oversaw a major expansion of the school system's physical facilities during her tenure as chairman.
A new K-8 school in Scotts Creek community opened last August, as did a classroom addition at Blue Ridge and a vocational building at Smoky Mountain High. Additions to Fairview and Smokey Mountain Elementary were occupied by students in 2000.
Also with Queen's leadership, construction is under way on a new cafeteria and kitchen at SMHS, and further improvements are in the works for the 40-year-old school, formerly Sylva-Webster High, where Queen graduated in 1967.
Mack McCary, current superintendent of Jackson County schools, and past Superintendents Charles McConnell and Frank Burrell this week praised Queen's leadership and devotion to children.
"She has left such a legacy," McCary said. "How much we will miss her. Her death is devastating - both professionally and personally."
McConnell remembered Queen as someone not afraid to stand up for her beliefs.
"Martha and I worked very well together," he said. "We had a lot of common interests, and I enjoyed the time I worked with her. She was not afraid to vote her convictions. She didn't worry about whether she was the only dissenting vote or if she was in the majority. I always felt she had the best interests of kids at heart."
Queen served as chairman for most of Burrell's three-and-a-half years as superintendent.
"Martha was an advocate for children, especially disadvantaged children who might need a little extra help," Burrell said. "She was willing to go the extra mile for a child. She always wanted to know how something would impact children. She did her homework on the issues. When she decided on something, she stuck with it."
Current school board members praised Queen's service during her two terms.
"I've known Martha all her life," said James Roper, the board's vice chairman. "Martha has been a very good board member, and she will be missed. She knew what was going on in the school system and worked hard her eight years on the board."
Mary Jane Dillard, a former school board chairman, said of Queen, "She was very brave and a fighter. She believed in the rights of children and always fought for them. She was a compassionate person."
"Martha's death is a great loss to the community and to the kids," board member Ali Laird-Large said. "We will miss her terribly. It's a hard time for all of us."
"She was a great lady. She was really dedicated to the kids of Jackson County," board member Ray Trine said. "It was a pleasure serving with her."
Queen, who had missed the last three meetings prior to her death, was concerned about school board functions to the end, Trine said.
"Right up to the end, the school board was one of the foremost things on her mind," he said. "She will be sorely missed."
School board attorney Paul Holt, who indicated knowing Queen since she was a child, said, "She just had the children's best interests at heart and was a dedicated public servant. She didn't mind devoting the time needed to get the job done. She was an 'A-number-one' person."
Many of the recent school capital improvement projects were the result of cooperation between the school board and the Jackson County Board of Commissioners. Chairman Jay Denton had this to say about Queen: "Martha was a champion for education in Jackson County. She was convicted to her beliefs. With Martha's guidance the board of education and the county commissioners worked jointly on projects that will have a positive impact on the children of Jackson County for many years to come."
Long known for her devotion to women's and children's issues, Queen chaired the committee that established REACH of Jackson County, a support resource for abused women. She also chaired committees that established the first Council on the Status of Women and Smart Start in this region. Queen was again instrumental in developing an after-school program in the public schools.
Queen's work on behalf of her community earned her a regional award in March 2000 when she was named one of the region's 10 most outstanding women by the Western North Carolina Women's Coalition.
Queen earned a reputation as a tireless advocate for children and families during her years as a child support enforcement agent and a social worker in children's services.
"Martha was a unique individual - someone who was loved and admired by many, particularly at Social Services, where she brought enthusiasm and zest to any meeting or endeavor with which she was involved," said Bob Cochran, director of the Jackson County Department of Social Services.
"Martha cared deeply about this community and worked in many different ways to help it progress and maintain a high quality of life. I think we can honor Martha in the way that we uphold her high goals and continue this most valuable work that we shared with her for many years," Cochran said.
A lifelong Democrat, Queen once ran for Jackson County clerk of court and was active in the local Democratic Party.
"She was a very hard worker in the Democratic Party, but most of all she was dedicated to her job, whatever that job was," said Nelson Bumgarner, county party chairman. "On the school board, her interest was doing things right for the children."
News Editor Lisa Majors-Duff and Features Editor Rose Hooper contributed to this report.
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Queen