Jessie Martin

Jessie Ray (Leonard) Martin died at her home in Nacogdoches at the age of 89. She was born February 14, 1926 and was known by most as their “Special Valentine”. She was the oldest of three children born in Douglass, Texas to parents James Grady and Lula Mae (Spencer) Leonard.

She met and Married Thomas Lee Martin and willingly followed him across the country while he served in the U.S. Air Force. She was talented seamstress, making many of her own clothes as well as those of her daughter, granddaughter, great granddaughter and her grandson.

After returning to Nacogdoches for retirement, she loved working in her yard, attending her grandkids school and church events and cooking for the entire family on Sundays. She became a member of Lily Grove Baptist Church after accepting her Savior and Lord during a revival service. She stayed active there by teaching in Sunday school, serving as Training Union Director and church hostess. She also sang in the choir and served on many committees.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two brothers, James Marvin Leonard and Billy Jake Leonard; her sisters-in-law Mildred Leonard & Rose Marie Haley and son-in-law, Gerall Robert Weatherly.

She is survived by her daughter, Sherry Weatherly; grandson, Robbie Weatherly and wife Amy; granddaughter, Kari Hill and husband Brent; great grandchildren, Julia, Hunter, Collin and Morgan Weatherly and Karissa Hill; sister-in-law, Nadine Este and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Pallbearers will be Hunter Weatherly, Collin Weatherly, Clint Sopko, Matt Sopko, Steve Bills, Greg Grigsby and Jimmy Rice.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015, at Cason Monk-Metcalf. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel, Nacogdoches, with Bro. Sonny Scarborough officiating. Interment to follow in Sunset Memorial Park.

The Family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. David Duke for his excellent care and friendship through the years. Also to Brenda Johnson, Demedris Lofton and the rest of the Heart to Heart Hospice Staff for their compassion and care no matter the hour.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Lilly Grove Baptist Church Building Fund, Cancer Research or a charity of your choice.