Rachel Jean Martin

Rachel was born November 14, 1970 in Chicago Heights, IL to Cherry Dawn Gaines (Simpson) and Randall George Martin. Rachel grew up in Crete, IL and attended Trinity Lutheran School. She always had a flair for the dramatic and was lovingly referred to as Sarah Bernhardt. As a teenager Rachel moved to Denton, TX with her mother and stepfather, Larry Simpson, where she graduated from Denton High School. Rachel was a talented floral designer and worked at Michaels, MJ, Designs in Texas.

Rachel moved to New Windsor, IL and married Jim Streeter in August 1994. She and Jim later divorced, but remained good friends.

Rachel gave birth to her beloved daughter, Chloe Corrine Hartshorn on February 20, 2000 in Galesburg, IL with Sean Hartshorn. Rachel treasured Chloe and cherished every moment with her. She was especially proud of Chloe and loved her role as her mother.

In 2007 Rachel and Chloe moved to Mobile, AL. Rachel worked at The Bakery Café from 2007-2012. She was the Accounting Manager for Cirrus Systems since 2012, where she was highly respected professionally and loved by her co-workers.

Rachel embraced living in Mobile and enjoyed attending Mardi Gras events with her many friends. Rachel loved dressing up and was especially fond of Halloween and scary movies.

Rachel was an amazing mother, daughter, sister, and friend, loved by all. Just like Rachel’s beautiful green eyes lit up her face, she lit up everyone’s lives. She was fun loving, with an infectious laugh and was the life of the party. Rachel loved music and never shied away from singing and dancing with her family and friends. Rachel loved with all her heart and would do anything to help anyone.

Rachel is survived by her beloved daughter, Chloe Hartshorn; her mother Cherry Simpson; father Randall Martin; stepmother Janet Martin; siblings Ryan, Regan, Jeffrey, John, Taylor, and Brent; plus her many nephews, nieces, aunts, and cousins. All of these she loved and touched deeply. Rachel is proceeded in death by her ex-husband, Jim Streeter and dear stepfather, Larry Simpson.

We find comfort in Rachel’s Confirmation Bible verse, Lamentations 3:22-26,

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;

therefore I will wait for him.”

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,

to the one who seeks him;

A visitation for Rachel will be held Tuesday, January 21, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Saving Grace Lutheran Church, 1500 Snow Rd, Mobile, Alabama 36695, followed by a celebration of life at 3:00 p.m.