Mary Jane Martin

Mary Jane Martin, age 92, of Bolivar, Missouri, formerly of Ottawa, went to be with her Lord on August 11, 2013. She was born April 9, 1921 to Jordan and Theodocia (Willis) Barber in Hazlehurst, Mississippi. She graduated from high school in Mississippi in 1938 and then in 1942 from Oklahoma A & M (now Oklahoma State University) with a B.A in Home Economics. She taught on both high school and college levels during the war years. On August 13, 1945, Mary Jane was united in marriage to Gilbert Martin. They shared nearly 68 years of Happiness together. While he completed his degree, she served on the staff of the School of Home Economics at Oklahoma State University. With the birth of her first child, she devoted her time to raising her three daughters. She resumed her career in 1964, and retired from Ottawa, Kansas Middle School after 19 years as a 7th, 8th, and 9th grade teacher. She volunteered at the school for 17 years. She was member of Ottawa First Baptist Church, the Homebuilders’ Sunday School Class and the Samaritan Circle. She was active in the Ottawa Quilt Guild and enjoyed visiting shut-ins with her husband. She loved to read and was a storyteller extraordinaire. In her later years, she helped to create a family history scrapbook of photos and anecdotes. She especially enjoyed her role as Mrs. Claus as she and Gilbert dressed as Santa and his wife to visit community children at Christmas. Preceding Mary Jane in death were her parents and four brothers: Astor Barber, Willis Barber, Taylor Barber, and Harold Barber. Surviving are her husband, Gilbert of the home; three daughters, Rosane Martin of the home, Katherine and her husband, Jim Faulkner of Bolivar, Missouri, and Jocelyn Martin of Jackson Missouri. She has two grandchildren Joshua Faulkner and Renee Elkins. Joshua and his wife, Katie, of St. Louis, Missouri, have two daughters, Grace and Amelie. Renee and her husband, Adam, have two sons, Trey and Jaron Elkins and live in Clarksville, Tennessee. Other survivors include her brother Clark Barber and two sister-in-laws, Allene Barber and Mary Barber in addition to many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 17, 2013, at the First Baptist Church, Ottawa. Burial will follow Highland Cemetery, Ottawa. PDF Printable Version

Mary Jane Martin

April 9, 1921 - August 11, 2013