Jennifer E. Abernathy

A story of love and adventure is the life of Jennifer Elaine Martinez-Abernathy. She was born on May 19, 1962, to Louis Lara and Juanita Cenizais Martinez in East Chicago, IN. The youngest of 7 children, she was pampered by older sisters, teased by older brothers, dolled up by her mother, and became the quintessential daddy’s girl. She was a proud Senator from �"E.C. Dub,” and graduated from Sawyer Business College, which prepared her to work alongside her daddy at the Fireman’s Credit Union for several years. Because she was the youngest, she quickly learned the importance of being heard above the crowd. In 53 years of life, her voice and her comments have been the foundation of countless memories. Whether it was, �"Jiiiiive,” during a family laugh-fest, �"I ain’t playing,” when she was tired, or �"I’m gonna kick your butt,” when she was being picked on by the crew. The most famous quote of all, �"DONOVAN!!!” when it was time to implement some tough love on her only child, and source of pride and joy.

The adventures in her life began when she met her high school sweetheart, Darwyn Abernathy, during their junior year. In a time before inter-racial relationships were socially accepted, she fought through negative looks and snide comments to establish her family. Jennifer and Darwyn were married on February 28, 1992, then relocated to Indianapolis in 1994 for their next adventure with the Indianapolis Fire Department. Jennifer supported her husband in this endeavor being his encouragement, his cheerleader, and his caregiver when he was injured during a fire. While in Indy, Jennifer greatly expanded her resume with jobs at banks, retail stores, and doctor offices, before she happily retired from the job market to care for her grandchildren full time during their most important formative years. Helping with the grandchildren helped Donovan in other ways as well, as he was able to follow in the footsteps of his father, uncle and grandfather by becoming a firefighter himself. In addition to being a supportive wife, loving mother, and caring grandmother, Jennifer was a cat lover and an avid runner. Both interests occupied her personal time, but running also gave her another �"reason” to expand her already massive shoe collection.

Jennifer was a woman of small stature, but she demonstrated the will of a lion, the strength of a horse, and the loyalty of a bear. Her energy, her love and her mouth have helped to create numerous memories and stories that family members and loved ones will continue to share for years to come. Continuing her legacy are husband Darwyn Ronell Abernathy, son Donovan Gage (Shawna) Abernathy, three of the most adorable grandchildren Jacob Louis, Dragan Norrin, and Zosalina Isabella Abernathy; six siblings, Dennis (Cyndy) Martinez of Hilo, HI, Mary Alice Martinez, Patricia Martinez, Laura Martinez, Leonard Martinez, Jacqueline (Simon) Martinez-Quintanilla; and a host of nephews and nieces. Finishing the race of life ahead of her are her parents Louis L. and Juanita C. Martinez.