Dorothy Jean (May) Martin

Dorothy Jean May Martin was born August 23, 1928 and entered her heavenly reward April 27, 2021, surrounded by loved ones. A celebration of her life will be May 1, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Grace Gardens Funeral Home, Waco, Texas.

Dorothy was a drum major, played the French horn, and graduated from Waco High School. Dorothy sang in the Emmanuel Baptist Church girls’octet, and many choirs. She attended  Baylor University.

Dorothy Jean May married Wallace Eric Martin on December 20, 1947. They had four children: Jean Ann, Jennifer, Wallace, and Travis. Dorothy managed their rental homes, putt-putt golf course, and roller skating rink.  She was the buyer for the fashion merchandise sold in Golf Pro Shops. She was an excellent cook, seamstress, and room mother for her children’s school classes.

Dorothy gave her life to Jesus as a young child. She always attended church faithfully and was a member of First Baptist Church Woodway.  Dorothy brought her children to church and led them to Jesus. Dorothy Jean Martin was a Substance Abuse Counselor, ADC, LCDC, and CADC, in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for over twenty three years. Dorothy was the Alcoholism Program Counselor of the Year in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in 1981. Many famous people spoke at Dorothy’s meetings, including Ann Richards’ first announcement that she was running for Governor. Dorothy traveled throughout Texas with incarcerated women who would speak at events. One day Dorothy received a call from a friend who had flown to Egypt, gone to a meeting, and Dorothy was being featured on tape in Egypt.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace, and her grandson, Lance Lambert. Survivors include Jean Ann Shirey of Gatesville; Jennifer Martin and Cheryl Coomer of McGregor; Wallace Martin and wife, Renee of Galveston; and Travis Martin and wife, Debbie of Tyler. Dorothy is also survived by nine grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren, nieces, cousins, and a ninty-seven year old brother-in-law, Arthur Stelley.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the New Horizons Life Group at First Woodway.

Registry for Dorothy Martin