Emily Jane Martin, 84, of Sulphur, La. passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024 in Baytown, Texas. She was born to her late parents, Fabian and Emily Fontenot on July 22, 1939 in Ville Platte, La. 

Jane was the Class of 1957 Vidrine High School Valedictorian. While attending, Jane earned many awards for her academics in American History and English as well as being selected to participate in the all-women’s, mock- government American Legion Auxiliary’s Pelican Girls State. She was also awarded the Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow Award and the W.O.W. American History Award.

After highschool, Jane attended Vincent’s Business School in Lake Charles, where she excelled and was soon hired by Southern Bell. It was here where Jane met her husband of 60 years, Kerry, who also worked and retired from the company. Two years after marrying, they welcomed their daughter, Donna. Nearly 12 years later, the family of three were surprised to welcome their second daughter, Dyann, to make their family complete.

Before retiring with 35 years of service from Bell Telephone, and for many years after, Jane was an active member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, a volunteer org. Jane held leadership roles at the local, state and regional levels of this organization. Jane was deeply honored to be named the 1997 Life Member Pioneer Volunteer of the year. Some of the many programs Jane helped organize  and run were Camp Blue Bird, Salvation Army Toys for Tots, yearly food drives for Thanksgiving and Christmas and Habitat for Humanity.

After retirement and years of volunteer work, Jane became an active member of the Maplewood United Methodist Church. Then, in 2010 she relinquished her role as church secretary to become a Nana to her only grandchild who she adored, Sailor. Jane has enjoyed, for the last 30 years, playing cards and dominos with her fellow telephone company buddies. And for the last few years, being chef and chauffeur to her beloved husband, Kerry.

Jane loved her family and all of her friends. She greeted everyone with her sweet smile, that all that knew her loved and will greatly miss. Jane enjoyed a happy life and strived to bring joy to all she knew. Jane is beloved by many and will be greatly missed by all.

She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Kerry Martin; one daughter, Dyann Antony (Steven) of DeFuniak Springs, Fla.; along with her grandson, Sailor Antony. She is also survived by one sister.

Jane is preceded in death by her daughter, Donna Gail Martin, along with her parents and six siblings.  

A Celebration of Emily’s life will be held at Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home, with Rev. James Moore officiating, on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2023. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. and the service will begin at 2 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Maplewood United Methodist Church. 

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonsulphurme morial.com.