Janice K. Martin

Janice Kirkland Martin, 78, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away December 19, 2025. She was born in Carriere, Mississippi, on December 30, 1946, to Houston and Golda Kirkland. She was married to Oliver L. Martin for 60 years. Janice Kirkland Martin worked for Escambia County as an Office Administrator for Fleet Maintenance, a job she enjoyed so much.
Janice was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. She loved God with her whole heart and loved the word of God, starting every day in His presence, gaining the strength and comfort she needed for each day. She believed in the goodness of people and trusted her own life completely to the Lord. She served the church alongside the love of her life faithfully as a minister's wife for 45 years. One of her favorite ministries to the church was that of being a Sunday School teacher to the four year old class, teaching several generations about the simple love of God.
Janice was an outstanding athlete. She was a cheerleader in high school, as well as All South Mississippi in basketball. And she was known to beat her grandkids in a pick-up game on the driveway and endless rounds of Horse. She carried that knack for sports and her incredible administration skills into her time as cheerleading coach for Woodham High School, taking her squads to everything from state football championships to national cheer competitions. She loved sports, especially football and basketball, but her absolute favorite team to which she was long devoted was the Ole Miss Rebels.
Janice loved magnolias and was proud of her home state of Mississippi, which she often referred to as "God's Country". She was an avid and gifted gardener, outstanding cook and knew how to make anyone feel welcome, displaying her unique and unmistakable gift of hospitality. Her home was always open to anyone and those who were blessed to be there would often speak of the warmth and beauty of the home she created. She made simple days spectacular with little acts of kindness and Thanksgiving and Christmas were made even more magical with her Southern grace and attention to detail. She was passionate about serving and showing love to others, but the bulk of that love and service were given to her devoted husband, Oliver of 60 years, her two children, Tim and Amy, and a host of eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. We are all better people for having been loved by her.
Janice Kirkland Martin was preceded in death by her parents, Houston and Golda Kirkland; sister, Mary Jim Burchfield; brother, Charles Kirkland; sister, Margaret Jean Kirkland; brother, Tommy Kirkland; sister, Patricia Miles, and sister, Martha Gay Brown.
Janice is survived by her husband of 60 years, Oliver L. Martin, her son, Tim Martin, and her daughter, Amy (Martin) Brady.
Grandchildren: Olivia (Martin) Bunch, (Ryan), Austin Brady (Laura), Jacob Martin (Terrica) Justin Brady, Mackenzie (Martin) Heath (Hunter), Hope Brady, Katie Joy Brady, Brandon Bell.
Great-grandchildren: Aiden Bunch, Declan Brady, Winnie Heath, Liam Bunch, Jaxson Ewan
Pallbearers: Austin Brady, Justin Brady, Jacob Martin, Ed Grayson, Brandon Bell, Ryan Bunch, Hunter Heath, Aiden Bunch.
The Scripture she and Oliver built their lives upon was Joshua 24:15, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."