header 1
header 2
header 3

In Memory Of Our Poets

Joyce A. Ponton (Martin) (1934-2011) - Class Of 1952

MARTIN, Joyce Ponton, age 77, died at a local hospital on July 29, 2011. She was born on January 5, 1934 in Pensacola, FL to John and Hilda Ponton. At age 7, she moved to Montgomery AL where she graduated from Lanier High School, Class of 1952, and attended Huntingdon College. On March 26, 1954, she met John Floyd Martin at the Officers Club at Maxwell Air Force Base. On August 22, 1954, just five months after they had met, they were married at Ethan Allen Air Force Base in Vermont. Thus began a wonderful 48 year marriage that resulted in three children and many life adventures. Their life together began with John as a fighter pilot and test pilot in the Cold War and finished in leadership roles in the Presbyterian Church. During these years, she supported the family as a secretary and accountant. At the same time, she was the mom who was there for every event, every meal, and every family need that arose. She did all of this with grace, poise, and an incredible kindness that was evident to all. Joyce had a profound impact on her family as a loving mother and grandmother, a devoted wife, and a wonderful role model. She personified sweetness and kindness like few ever have. Above all was her enduring faith and her commitment to the church. She loved teaching Sunday School and did so faithfully for 43 consecutive years. Even in the years of her failing health, she continued to support the education of her third grade class in every way that she could. She sang in the choir for more than 30 years and for her, choral music was truly a celestial experience. Her understanding of theology and her ability to teach and communicate was remarkable. She was also an accomplished needle worker, creating stunning and intricate cross stitch designs on linen which, in her later years, she often donated to church fund raising efforts. She was a woman who loved many things, with great enthusiasm and joy. Her passions included traveling to Europe, touring art museums, collecting antiques, music, reading, and visiting her children and grandchildren. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. John F. Martin. She is survived by her son, David B. Martin, wife Vivian L. Martin, and their three children, Jimmy Mann, David Mann, and Karen Martin-Elbahesh of Montgomery AL; son, Daniel F. Martin MD, wife Pamela W. Martin, and their two children, Matt Martin and Ali Martin of Shaker Heights, OH; daughter The Rev. Nancy Martin Vincent and husband Paul Vincent of Emeryville, CA; brother Jerry Ponton of McDonough, GA; sister Phyllis Gee of Torrence, CA; sister Cheryl Adams of Montgomery, AL; and sister Beth Botta of Alabaster, AL Memorial Services will be held at St John's Episcopal Church on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Joyce P. Martin Memorial Fund at the Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, i-30, Cleveland, OH, 44195.