Gloria Jean Martin

Gloria Johnson Martin, 66, passed away March 23, 2013 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Newnan, Ga. Gloria was born August 9, 1946 in Greensboro, Ala. to Vernon and Clara (Crawford) Johnson. She was a graduate of Mississippi State College for Women where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech Therapy. Gloria was a person that you loved to see coming and hated to see leaving. She had an absolutely contagious smile that made everyone she met have a better day. Gloria’s presence in a room of people would just light up the occasion as not many could do. She will be remembered by family, friends and anyone she met as a person who cared for others and deeply loved her family. There was nothing superficial about this beautiful lady. She was the real deal and one of those rare spirits that we all see pass through a generation who help all of us to understand how we can make a difference. She was simply an outstanding wife, mother and grandmother who was dearly loved and admired by all in her family. She leaves a legacy of how to love, compliment and influence in a positive way to all who knew her. Gloria has left a permanent mark on all of us and will be missed forever. A memorial service will be held Thursday, March 28 at First United Methodist Church in Tupelo, Miss. in the Sanctuary where her husband Jim and she were united in marriage 45 years ago. The service will begin at 11 a.m. with Rev. Jim Curtis officiating. Her son-in-law, Jimmy Murphy, will give the eulogy. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Cancer Treatment Center of America’s charity to assist cancer patients and their families, Southeastern Assistance in Healthcare, 600 Parkway North, Newnan GA. 30265. Her memory is cherished by her husband Jim Martin, daughter Jennifer (Jimmy) Murphy of Eads, Tenn., son Jamie (Jackie) Martin of Cumming, Ga., granddaughters Claire and Kate Murphy of Eads, her parents Adrian and Clara Thompson of Tupelo, sisters Sheila (Buddy) Sellers of Lucedale, Lynette Bolen of Saltillo, Carean (Butch) Dendy of Belden, brothers Tommy (Margaret) Thompson of Tupelo, Cecil Thompson of Saltillo, sister-in-law Lyn (Ron) Schloemer of Oxford, Ohio and nieces and nephews. Preceding Gloria in death were her father, Vernon Johnson, granddaughter Mary Brooks Murphy and brother Sam Thompson.

Gloria Jean Martin

August 9, 1946 - March 23, 2013