Obituaries:  Mrs. Willie Mae Martinez, Sabine Parish       M-635
Source:  Sabine Index, Many, La., Dec 1, 1999
Submitted by: Carl Dilbeck
              carlrad@earthlink.net 




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Mrs. Willie Mae Martinez

  Funeral services (Mass) for Ms. Willie M. Martinez, 75, of Zwolle, held Wednesday,
Nov. 24, 1999 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Officiating was Father David
Richter and Father Patrick Skully. Interment was at St. Joseph's Cemetery under the
direction of Warren Meadows Funeral Home.

  Mrs. Martinez died suddenly Saturday morning, Nov. 20, 1999 at Trinity Mother Francis
Medical Center in Tyler, Texas. At the time of her death she was visiting her daughter,
Gloria Sims, in Eustace, Texas. She had been battling congestive heart failure for
approximately three years.

  "Miss Willie Mae" as most knew her, was born Feb. 11, 1924 in Zwolle. Although a
lifelong resident of Zwolle, she briefly resided in Hot Springs. Ark. with her husband,
Gilbert Martinez Jr., during a military assignment.

  Mrs. Martinez was always known as a hard working Christian lady, filled with faith,
love, generosity, and a special caring for others. She is also honored as the Martinez
family matriarch. Having been pre-deceased by two sons, a daughter, special nephew,
husband, granddaughter, and two sisters. She remained fearless and unwavering in her
trust, love, honor, and service to our Lord. Her involvement in church ministries,
included appointment as the first President of the Council of Catholic Women; served
several terms as Captain and Secretary for St. Theresa's Circle of Catholic Women;
ministered to the elderly, and the shut-ins; assisted with church art and environment,
decoration, cleaning, and maintenance for several years; credited for establishing two
major ministries at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, the annual dinner for Senior Citizens
and the family funeral dinner program. She also worked several years as coordinator for
the annual church calendar. In appreciation and tribute to all her service, Mrs. Martinez
was awarded the Diocesan Medal of Honor from Bishop Friend in 1998.

  Mrs. Martinez was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert Martinez Jr.; two sons,
Glenn and Joseph Martinez; one daughter, Mary Martinez; two sisters, Arlene Davis and
Ms. Ruby Sepulvado; one granddaughter, Corina C. Martinez; and one special nephew, Larry
A. Aaron. She is survived by a daughter, Gloria Sims and husband Melvin of Eustace, Texas;
a son, John A. Martinez Sr. of Zwolle; one sister; Marguerite Burnham and husband Cliff
of Bossier City; one brother, Otis V. Martinez and wife Kay of Wichita, Kan,; a special
niece, Betty Davis-Ebarb and husband Bill of Stonewall; seven grandchildren; seven
great-grandchildren; a special niece, Jackie Chapman of Ville Platte; and a special
nephew, William J. "Bill" Danner of Glenmora; along with and a host of other nieces
and nephews.

  Pallbearers were Roger Lopez, Freddy Rivers, Albert Ezernack Jr., Vernon Rivers, G.L.
"Pie" Marlinez, and Joe Rivers. Honorary pallbearers were William J. "Bill" Danner,
James Meshell, Joseph D. "Jig" Martinez, George Pierce, Randall Ebarb, Robert Ebarb,
and Cliff Burnham Jr.

  Warren Meadows Many, La.