Joan Frances Martin, 67, of Devers, passed away Sunday, December 1, 2019, at Memorial Hermann Medical Center in Houston surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 26, 1952, in Austin, Texas to the late Gordon Ellzey and Margaret Curry. A long-time resident of Devers, Ms. Joan was a retired CPA for various businesses. She was a faithful servant with a selfless personality. An amazing mother who saw the best in all. She enjoyed starting her day on her porch drinking coffee and would look forward to spending time with her grandchildren. Granny’s grandchildren meant the world to her, she was their biggest cheerleader and supporter. She taught them how to swim, loved shopping for them and made sure they felt special on every holiday. Her leisure time was spent on genealogy and reading a good mystery novel. She was also known as a great storyteller with a great sense of humor. Ms. Joan will be greatly missed by all who loved her but her legacy will continue with future generations.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 45 years, Gary L. Martin Sr. and brother, Richard J. Ellzey.
Those left to cherish Ms. Joan’s memory are her sons, Gary L. Martin Jr. and wife Shanna L. of Devers, Matthew A. Martin of Devers; daughter, Leigh Ann Sykes and husband Patrick D. of Devers; sister, Paula O’dell and husband Daniel Sr. of Independence, MO; grandchildren, Kamrie L. Martin, Domenic L. Sykes, Garrison L. Martin, Annabella M. Sykes, her beloved lake family and a host of friends.
A service of remembrance will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church Devers, 106 E Ave. A, Devers, TX. 77523 with Pastor Jerry T. Ben officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be Saturday, December 7, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. until service time also at First Baptist Church Devers. Interment to follow at Rice Belt Cemetery in Devers.
Honoring Ms. Joan as pallbearers are Gary L. Martin Jr., Matthew A. Martin, Patrick D. Sykes, Garrison L. Martin, Domenic L. Sykes and Brenton C. Webb.
We are so very sorry for the loss of your mother. You are all in our prayers.
Uncle June. Aunt Donna, Nick, Chris, and Anthony.
I’ve known Joan since grade school at St. Rose of Lima in Houston. We went to Black Jr. High and took swimming classes during P.E. She was an excellent swimmer which explains her teaching the kids to swim. Joan was fun to hang around with. Always laughing, joking and cutting up. I still have her card she wrote to me after she got married. So special and I let her know that this past year when I found it stashed in a box. She will be sorely missed but we will have fond memories of her to remember her kindness.