Gloria J. Martin

Gloria Jean Martin, 74, of Lapaz, Indiana, went home to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 19, 2025, at 9:09 am. The youngest of three children, Gloria was born on April 30,1950 in Philipsburg, PA. Daughter of the late Claude Watson and Isabel (Peters) Watson. In 1968, Gloria graduated from Erie High School. On June 11, 1971, Gloria married her husband, Gary Wayne Martin. This year they would have celebrated 54 years of marriage. They spent much of their life in the surrounding area of Bremen, Bourbon, and Lapaz, Indiana.  Gloria was a devoted Wife, Mother, Grandma, Great-Grandma and friend.  She loved people and had the very special gift of care, kindness, compassion, comfort and fun.  She was known for her smile and joking around.  According to many of her children’s friends, she was the “cool” mom. So many people have expressed the impact she had in their lives…and so many that she was not aware of.  In her last few days messages and posts were shared with her, and she would always respond with “Really? Hmm.”  She was a writer of poems, tennis player and loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Her life is a testament to the love of her Savior and the ability to love as Jesus did. Gary and Gloria started and led many Sunday school classes and study groups. She loved worship and is known as a prayer warrior. Gloria is survived by her loving husband of almost 54 years, Gary, a daughter: Greta (Bob) Schoolman of South Bend, IN and son: Greg (Sheila) Martin of Charlotte, NC; seven grandchildren: Christian Schoolman, Mykenna Martinez, Madyson Lusk, Grace Martin, Hanah Martin, Grant Martin, and Levi Martin; great-grandchildren: Natalia Martinez, Evelyn Martinez, Makiya Lusk, and Adalee Lusk.  She is also survived by a brother: Gorman Watson. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sibling, and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Doris Martin, Jr.  Visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 am, Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Nappanee Missionary Church, 70417 St. Rd. 19, Nappanee.  Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am Saturday, in the church.  Burial will follow in Bremen Cemetery. Her life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Grief Share at Nappanee Missionary Church.