Mother Dian S. Martin

Martin ~ Dian Sanders Martin, born July 22, 1943, in Jacksonville, Florida to Alonzo Sanders, Sr. and Viola Simpo Moss.  Dian graduated from Douglas Anderson in Jacksonville, Florida. 

Her first job was at NAS Jacksonville, then she worked for Coffee Time Sandwich Company, and later for Food Host Sandwich Company.  She also worked providing home and hospitality service to the Mussallem’s family.  Dian loved to pray and sing praises unto the Lord.  She was the “Mother” of her church; she served as the church treasurer and provided leadership and guidance to women in the ministry.  Dian loved to participate in church functions and traveled with the ministry.  She was a servant of God who led by example, and she loved to cook, clean, and teach.  Dian could bake the best cakes and pies; she loved to crochet and sew.  She fed the homeless and transported individuals to appointments when needed.  She was a caregiver from her heart.  Dian was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother and beloved friend to those who knew her, unselfishly giving of herself.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Claude Martin; daughter, Annette Marie Daniels (Anthony); parents, Alonzo Sanders, Sr. and Viola Simpo Moss; siblings, Alonzo Sanders, Jr., Ethel Mae Jones, Evon Cooper-Lennon, Lucille Cue-Scott.  Dian leaves to cherish her memory, daughter, Agatha Sanders Brown (Junior); grandchildren, Eldra Sanders, Raymond Sanders, Larry Smith, Jr., Ericka Smith-Johnson (Reginald); great grandchildren, Jeremy Sanders, Makiyah Moultrie, Verquan Bracy, Versyrus Bracy, Jah-Tavious Sanders, Eric Jaylen Gayle, Imani Smith, Jadarrius Smith, Zaria Williams, Tajiah Wilson, Saniyah Johnson, Lynniyah Johnson, London Johnson, Reginald Johnson III, Rahniyah Johnson; great-great grandchild, Jordan Jeremy Ja-kai Sanders; sisters, Ruthie Mae Goshen, Sherry Sanders, Chiquita Harper; uncle, Wilbur “L C” Sanders; a host of nephews, nieces, family, church members and friends.

Dian loved God’s word and spoke these scriptures often: John 3:16, Acts 2:38, Psalm 23.  She was known with her greeting, “Praise the Lord” and departing you by saying “peace be”.

Celebration of Life service for Mother Dian Sanders Martin will be 11:00AM Saturday, November 11, 2023, at The Soutel Chapel.  Visitation Friday from 5 – 7:00 PM at The Soutel Chapel.  Interment in Edgewood Cemetery.  Because of the love of her family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904-924-9400

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