Joan L. Martin

Joan L. Martin, 77, passed away peacefully at her home in D’Iberville on December 22nd surrounded by loved ones. Joan was born January 8th, 1944 in Florida to Dewey & Omera (Gardner) Ledford. As a young woman she spent her time drag strip racing with her car “The Purple Wonder Bomb” winning 30 out of her 33 races in Gainesville Florida where she was born and raised. She enjoyed going out dancing, spending time with her sister Evelyn and took great pride in raising her four daughters. She was happily married to Robert Martin for 51 years. They relocated together to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the mid 70’s. In her later years of life she enjoyed spending time with her husband whether it be on overnight adventures for his trucking career or fishing in the gulf- it didn’t matter where they were, they were always having an incredible time when they were together. Joan took great pride in caring for and being there for her family.

She is preceded in death by her sister, Evelyn Edwards, her brother Herman Ledford and her daughter Bobbie Lynn Ansinger. Joan is survived by her brother Jimmy (Carol) Ledford, husband Robert; three daughters Teresa (Joseph) Goodyear, Wanda (Dale) Shaw, and Darlene Beville; and six grandchildren Tiffany, Kimber, Courtney, Kay-Lyn, Martin, and Madelyn. She is also survived by her six great grandchildren Hunter, Kyleigh, Levi, Adeline, Ava Greer and Ann Gardner along with many nieces and nephews.

Joan had an affinity for good food, classic country music, murder mysteries, the retelling of memories and past good times, bingo, fishing, long phone calls with family, and bragging to anyone who would listen about her grandbabies accomplishments.

Those who loved her will greatly miss her vibrant spirit, her tenacity for life, and her effortless ability to say whatever she was thinking. She loved life, and loved her family fiercely. It brings us great peace in knowing she is reunited in heaven this Christmas with those loved ones she had lost.

Visitation held at Bradford-O'keefe Funeral Home in Ocean Springs at 12 pm and services at 1 pm. Burial to follow at Crestlawn Cemetery in Ocean Springs. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral home is honored to serve the family of Joan L. Martin.