Mary Luella Martin

Mary Lou Martin (Mary Martin), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of her family. She was the devoted wife of James A. Martin, with whom she shared 47 wonderful years of marriage.

She was preceded in death by her son, William Russell Jr.; her sister, Janet Howe; and her brother, Chap Maxwell.

Mary Lou was the proud mother of three children and two stepchildren: Deanna (late William Russell Jr.), Susan Gauss (Gary), and Mary Jo Stimer (Jeff); and stepchildren James Martin (Julie) and Patrick Martin (Shelly). She was a loving grandmother to 11 grandchildren: Jeremy (Nik), Danielle (Brian), Jeffery (Kelc), Anthony (Anna), Beverly (Brad), Bill (Erin), Lannea (Bill), Joshua, Thomas, Olivia, and Elizabeth. She was also blessed with 19 great-grandchildren: Makela, Zoey, Diamond, Navaya, Graycin, Sutton, Emma, Jackson, Adeline, Erin, Regan, Molly, Conan, David, Aliyah, Ainsley, Riley, Violet, and Aston.

Mary Lou—always the name she preferred—was born in Jackson, Michigan. She raised her three children in Napoleon, Michigan, before later moving to Pine Island, where she and her husband built a life following her retirement from Comerica Bank. She held an associate degree from Jackson Community College and dedicated more than 20 years of service to Comerica before continuing her passion for helping others at the Beacon of Hope GED Program, where she retired in October 2025.

A woman of deep faith and service, Mary Lou was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Pine Island. She served as a Lay Pastor and was instrumental in starting the Stephen Ministry at the church. She and her husband Jim also cherished time spent with their camping group, enjoying fellowship and the outdoors whenever they were able.

Mary Lou will be remembered for her unwavering faith, compassionate heart, dedication to family, and lifelong commitment to serving others. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and the family she loved so deeply.