Dora May Martin, 89, of St. Joseph, Missouri went to be home with her heavenly father on January 1, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was born on April 18, 1935, in Washington D.C. to the late Paul and Kathleen Haas. She remained in Washington D.C. throughout her high school years. Her number one priority in life was to glorify the Lord, which she devoted her life to. Her faith and love for people was evident in everything she did. She never knew a stranger and put a smile on everyone’s face with her contagious smile. She was a prayer warrior and loved reading her favorite book, the Bible.
Dora married Delbert Leroy Martin on November 27, 1953. They soon started a family of their own in Indiana and had three daughters. Her family was her pride and joy. She hosted all the family gatherings and did all the cooking. She had excellent cooking and baking skills. In fact, she received two first place honors in the News-Press Cook Off. Along with being an excellent homemaker, she was an immaculate housekeeper too. She loved raising her three daughters and was active in their school PTA and lead the Brownie Troop. She loved to sew and crochet and made lots of doll clothes for her girls. Even helping with their homework was never a chore as she endlessly went over those multiplication facts and always helped when she could with those school projects. As her children grew older they moved to St. Joseph, Missouri where she begin working outside the home as the Manager of Cosmetics at Montgomery Ward and a Sales Associate at Einbender’s and The Paris. She later received her certification for becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant and worked at Methodist Hospital and Sisters’ Hospital until she retired in 1976. Dora loved singing and had a great talent for it. She was a member of the Sweet Adelines.
Dora was proceeded in death by her parents; a brother; a sister, a husband of 54 years, Delbert Martin and her son-in-law Troy Franks. Survivors include her three daughters-Teresa (Roy) Adams, Denise (the late Troy) Franks and Lisa (Kelly) Kennedy, 6 grandchildren- Hollie (Eric) McDowell, Heidi (Brad) Durham, Taylor (Blayr) Kennedy, Sierra (Erinn) Franks, Dakota (Holly) Franks, Danay (Scott) Majors and 16 great grandchildren.
Dora was a born again Christian and was an active member of the Family Worship Center. She lead and attended many Bible Studies, Prayer Meetings and taught Sunday School throughout her years. Dora loved her church and all the people there. Nothing made her happier than bringing people to the Lord. She could talk about her Savior all day long, reminding everyone how much they needed the Lord. She will be greatly missed and remembered by how much she loved Christ and her family.
Services will be lead by Pastor Doug Cline on Tuesday, January 7, 1:00 at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. After services, the family invites friends and loved ones for a memorial dinner at the Family Worship Center.
