Hazel Janette (Breaux) Martin

Hazel Janette (Breaux) Martin passed away on Thursday, October 6, 2022, surrounded by her family. She was greeted on the other side by her son, Scott Grimmitt, who proceeded her in death as well as her brother, Eddie Breaux, and her parents, Frank and Gladys Breaux. She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Jerry Martin; her daughter, Cecily Grimmitt Boswell and her husband Zach; her stepdaughter Shannon Olkowski and her husband Ken; her stepdaughter Kelli Martin-Gray and her husband Lee; stepdaughter Jeri Dawn Martin and her 9 grandchildren, Marsden, Salem, Tullah, Cody, Sara, Josh, Alee, Caiden and Mika and one great-grandson, Jaxstyn.

Janie was born in Merkel, Texas on June 3, 1941, where she spent most of her formative years. She graduated from Merkel High School where she excelled as a student as well as a cheerleader and played on the girls’ basketball team. She then went on to Abilene Christian College and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Physical Education. Soon after she married her high school sweetheart, Walter Grimmitt, then the young couple relocated to San Antonio where they raised their two children, Scott and Cecily.

After years of being an educator and physical ed coach, she switched gears and began her 30+ year career in the San Antonio real estate industry. "Janie" as she was known to her friends and colleagues, was well respected and well known for her hard work, dedication to her industry, and impeccable character. A Graduate of the esteemed National Association of Realtors Leadership Training program, Janie was named "Affiliate of the Year" by the San Antonio Board of Realtors and honored as "Woman of the Year" for the Women's Council of Realtors, for whom she also served as President. She loved working with people and people loved working with her. Most of her colleagues became lifelong friends who still stayed in touch even after her retirement.

Most people will tell you that once Janie met Jerry it seemed to be destiny as her Southern charm and good looks were the perfect match to his Kentucky upbringing and charisma. A match made in Heaven perhaps? Everyone seemed to think so. They enjoyed traveling the country together, going to Spurs games, and filling their home with antiques and treasures found along the way. Janie and Jerry were also members of Oak Hills Church where they continued to grow together in their shared faith. They embraced their Life Group of friends as their family in Christ and enjoyed those relationships in service. However, their happiest moments were spending time with their blended family, especially the kids and grandkids. Anyone who knew Janie would tell you nothing made her happier than spending time with family. One of her proudest achievements in life was raising her two children and being “Mimi” to her grandchildren. After 32 years together, Janie and Jerry created a beautiful loving home where everyone felt like family, and everyone was welcome.

Janie also believed in giving back and honored her faith with a life of service to others. She spent over 40 years as an active member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority – an adult philanthropic organization that has championed fundraising for charities like St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Easterseals, Hope For Heroes, and many others. The other sorority members became more than friends to Janie, they were her sisters. A group of women who shared their lives with one another and created lifelong bonds through their service to their communities.

Janie was genuine, warm, and loving. She loved life. She truly never met a stranger. She was not just a mother to her own, she was a mother and friend to everyone she ever met. She will be remembered as a devoted, loving wife, a dedicated, supportive mother and stepmother with never-ending love but also a best friend, and a Mimi who made sure her grandchildren knew how much they were loved and cared for and never let them go without a Christmas stocking over the fireplace. Janie was a true Christian who didn’t just talk the talk but walked the walk. She was a good and faithful servant of God. Her race is won, and she is surrounded in peace by her love.

MEMORIAL SERVICESATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 20221:00 PMOAK HILLS CHURCH19595 IH 10 WEST