Joan Martin went to be with her Lord and Savior on June 15th, 2023.

Miss Joni, as she was lovingly known by so many, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1940 to Lorraine and Howard.

She lived in Cincinnati and Chicago as a child until moving to Miami, FL with her mother and stepfather Mickey.

She graduated from North Miami High School in 1958 and attended The University of Florida, where she pledged Alpha Chi Omega in her freshman year. She would eventually meet fellow student Buddy Martin. They married on August 12, 1961.

They welcomed 4 children, beginning in 1962.

Buddy’s lengthy career in journalism and media created job opportunities that moved them to places like Tennessee, New York, Colorado, and throughout Florida.

Joan was a proud homemaker who stayed involved with her church where she often taught Sunday School, volunteered with organizations like Child Help USA, and gave her support to anyone who needed it.

Joan earned her cosmetology degree and worked briefly as a hairstylist. Later in life, she spent several years working as the social columnist for The Burnt Store Herald.

She was an avid reader, loved bird watching, dabbled in watercolor painting, loved knitting, and designing and decorating her home.

Miss Joni’s vivacious personality brought so many people together and she welcomed the chance to open her home to entertain and cook for family and friends. The Christmas season was always her favorite and she collected many special ornaments over the years.

Joan is preceded in death by their daughter Christina Michelle Martin who passed away in 1970.

She is survived by her husband Buddy of Ocala, children Lori Gregory of Ocala, Rebecca (Jeff) Doubek of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, Brenden Martin of Ocala, grandchildren Gracie Simmons, Alexander Gregory, Charlie Doubek and Stella Martin.

Additional survivors include her sister Wanda Roth of Boca Raton, her niece Sherri (Howard) George of Ocala, nephew Scott (Dawn) Lovell of Ocala and their children.

A celebration of life is planned for August 12th. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Joan Martin Memorial Fund to support causes near to her heart.  Donate at Ever Loved in lieu of flowers. Or send inquiries for donations to jonimartinmemorial@gmail.com

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