Joan Faye Martin Ford was born April 14, 1939 to the parentage of Norman Leroy Martin and Lizzie Mae Martin in Dallas, Texas. She accepted Christ at an early age. She was educated in the Dallas Independent School District.

My mother was a devoted member of Gilgal Baptist Church for over 35 years. She served faithfully under the leadership of the late Reverend L. J. Johnson Sr. and her current leader, Pastor Cassius Haynes, Sr. She served enthusiastically as one of the churches' mothers, choir member, deaconess, Pastor's aide, mission president, Sunday school overseer, superintendent, and hospitality. Mama was ordained and licensed as a Missionary to preach the Gospel by Pastor Cassius Haynes, Sr., April 29, 2018.

I am so proud of my mother. After I graduated high school in 1977, she received her GED from El Centro College, May 1980. She continued her education graduating from El Centro College with an Associate in Applied Arts and Sciences degree, May 15, 1984 in Food Service Management. She completed the Food Service Managers Certification Course from El Centro College, August 25, 1986. She received the School Food Service Certification from the Texas School Food Service Association, April 6, 1998. She received Certificates of Commendation for outstanding performance and sensitivity to the needs of young people during her years of service at the Summer Lunch Program at North Hampton from the Dallas County Community Action Committee, Inc. Mama received numerous awards and certificates of appreciation from the Dallas Independent School District in Food & Child Nutrition, Perfect Attendance, Kitchen Management, Customer Service, Food Production, Personnel Management, and Compliance.

I've never seen my mother unemployed. She has always been a diligent hard-worker. She retired from the Dallas Independent School District after 35 years of devoted service especially to the students. She started as a cook under the late Erma Wright, and retired as a Cafeteria Manager. Mama was dedicated to the Summer Lunch Program at North Hampton every year where she fed, in the heat, every child that came to the park. She carried Montie, Toto, and Aunie every year and children in the neighborhood that wanted to go. No child was left behind.

She watched over, loved, fed, fussed, and disciplined many children through her employment at L. G. Pinkston, South Oak Cliff, W. H. Adamson, Sunset, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Lida Hooe, John F. Peeler, Ben Milam, Sequoyah, Nancy Cochran, and various schools within DISD. She worked diligently and faithfully with her friend and sister-in-Christ, Beth McKernan, collecting donations for the American Kidney Fund.

Mama loved! Absolutely loved attending the School of the Scripture under the leadership of Bishop Maurice Ricks. She received an Associate in Biblical Studies, June 1, 2008, a Bachelor in Biblical Studies, June 6, 2010, a Master in Biblical Studies, June 5, 2011, and a Doctorate in Biblical Studies, June 3, 2012. Again, I say, absolutely loved Pastor Ricks and the staff, faculty, and her friends at the School of the Scripture.

Mama was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Cleopatra Martin (Big Mama), the head matriarch of The Martin Family. Her mother, Lizzie Mae Robinson Martin (Tae Mae). Her father, Norman Leroy Martin. Her three middle children - Michelle Patra Martin, daughter; and two sons, Mitchell Earl Martin and Michael Allen Craver. We love and miss them all. Until we meet again fam!!!

She leaves to cherish her memories: two daughters, Obedia Ramsey & Olivia Martin; six grandsons, Darien Martin (Charlotte), Toriano Martin (Chaterria), DeKendrick Martin (Staci), Devon Martin, Michael Jones, & Jacoby Martin; seven great grandchildren, Nadia, Darien II, Darien III, Alex, Jordan, Madison, & Azureè; one great-great granddaughter, Makayla Martin; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and relatives.