Dema Jane Martin's Obituary
Dema Jane Martin, 69, of Decatur, IL died Monday, January 1, 2007 at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, January 6, 2007 at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home; vigil prayer service at 4:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday, January 6, 2007 at St. Thomas Church with burial immediately following at Calvary Cemetery, Decatur. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Dema Martin Memorials at Decatur Public Schools Foundation or St. Teresa High School Educational Foundation.
Dema was born March 29, 1937 in West York, IL, daughter of Alvin and Stella Evans Guyer. She graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1959 and received her MA in Education from the University of Illinois in 1982. Dema devoted 33 years to Decatur children by teaching in District 61 Schools including Southeast, Durfee, Coppenbarger, Baum and Stevenson. Even after retirement in 2003, she continue to substitute teach and worked under the auspices of the Central Illinois Accelerated Schools program to mentor teachers.
Dema was an active member of St. Thomas Church and a regular participant at the Arts Council Knit Night.
She married her beloved James D. Martin on August 11, 1962 and in addition to raising and loving three children; Dema raised and loved many cocker spaniels.
Surviving are her husband, her children: Scott Martin of Garland, TX; Jeff wife, Kathy Martin of Downers Grove; Julie husband, John Paxton of Frisco, TX; grandchildren: Kyle Paxton, Elisse Martin, Riley Paxton and Ethan Martin. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Delores Bannon of Paris.
The family of Dema Jane Martin is being served by the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe St. Decatur IL.
What’s your fondest memory of Dema?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dema?
Share a story where Dema's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dema you’ll never forget.
How did Dema make you smile?