Joan Barbara Martin, woman of strong faith
Joan Barbara Martin, 88, of Lewes, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, with her children by her side. She was born Dec. 3, 1933, in Rehoboth Beach, daughter of the late John H. and Ruth Maisie (Beideman) Webb.
Joan had a strong faith in God and an easy way about her. She would often say, “There is no reason to worry about things I cannot change,” no matter the circumstance, showing amazing strength and resilience. She married her childhood sweetheart, James Martin, in 1951. They remained together residing at their home in Lewes until Jim’s passing in 2019. Together they raised six children and worked hard to operate a successful heating and air conditioning business.
Joan often shared with her children her fond memories of growing up in Rehoboth Beach, walking the beach and boardwalk with her best friend, Faith. She spoke of these times often as her memory was gradually taken away by Alzheimer’s. Joan will be remembered for being a devoted wife and mother, an excellent cook and baker. She enjoyed reading, especially cookbooks and magazines, going to plays and musicals, and cheering on the Phillies with Jim. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with Jim, sitting on the back porch enjoying the simple things in life, admiring Jim’s landscapes and bird-watching.
In addition to her parents, and her beloved husband Jim, she was preceded in death by her siblings: Jay Webb, Kathleen Hall, Doris Davis and Janet Tagtmeier. She is survived by her six children, Shirley Baynum (Lynn), James Martin (Gaye), Donald Martin (Audrey), Brenda Judy (Tim), Barbara Martin and Catherine Garman (Todd); 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren. Mom, your memory will live on in our hearts forever.
The family extends a special thank you to Paradise Senior Living for the excellent care, home atmosphere and the love they showed our mother.
At Joan’s request, all services will be private.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
Visit Mrs. Martin’s Life Memorial webpage and sign the virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
