Mary Janice Martin was born March 3, 1934, to Jerry and Mary Lewis of Piggott, Arkansas. She departed this life on May 16, 2017, in Monticello, Arkansas, where she had lived for the last three years. She married Charles Martin on January 4, 1963 in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

She is survived by a sister, Maida Featherston of Sikeston, Missouri; daughters Louisa (Paul) Smith of Monticello and Teresa (Al) Puente of Groves, Texas; and sons Rob (Cindy) Martin of Midway, Arkansas, and Jon (Margaret) Martin of Jonesboro;  thirteen grandchildren and  seventeen great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews – some great and all grand. Her youngest son, Chuck Martin, died in 2006. She was known to most as Janice and to all the kids as “Nanice” and never forgot a birthday.

Janice was a wonderful mom, wife and homemaker who in her early life worked serving ice cream and sodas at Holcomb’s Pharmacy, a salesperson, and later as a rural mail carrier, a job she was great at and loved.

In retirement she traveled around the country with Charles and fished with him – not always an easy endeavor especially if you aren’t crazy about fishing. She loved to tend the flowers in her yard and their bright colors inspired the vibrant wardrobe she was known for. For several years after Charles’ passing in 2008, her steadfast companion was a big black dog named Murphy – an adopted child, some would say.

Mom welcomed all to her life and was generous with her “neck hugs,” famous Swiss steak, yeast rolls and pies. She leaves a legacy of love and nurturing that inspired everyone who knew her.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 19, 2017, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. with the funeral service following at 2:00 p.m. at the Hoggard & Sons Chapel with Ryan McRae officiating. Burial is in Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector, Arkansas.  Pallbearers are Chris Puente, Zack Martin, Gabe Snyder, Garrett Pritchard, Jeff Totty, and Al Puente.  Hoggard & Sons Funeral Home of Piggott, Arkansas, is in charge of the arrangements.

Family suggest memorials be made to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital or Arkansas Hospice.