Leticia Marie Martin

Leticia Marie Martin was born on October 21,1970, to James and Doris (Murray) Martin in Los

Angeles, CA, the eldest of three children between the two. At age five, the family moved from

Los Angeles to Bakersfield, CA.

Leticia accepted Jesus Christ into her life at an early age, after the family joined St. Paul Church

of God in Christ. They later moved membership to St. John Missionary Baptist Church, where

Leticia further deepened her relationship with the Lord. After years of fellowship at St. John,

Leticia became a devoted member of Valley Baptist Church in Bakersfield.

Leticia began her education at 68th St. School in Los Angeles. After moving to Bakersfield, she

attended William Penn Elementary, Emerson Jr. High, and Bakersfield High schools. Upon

graduationl, Leticia enrolled at Cal State University, Bakersfield where she earned her

Bachelor`s Degree in Business Administration. She later received her Master's Degree in

Education from National University, fulfilling her dream of becoming a teacher.

Leticia worked nearly 20 years for the Bakersfield City School District, starting at MCKinley

Elementary and teaching the last 9 years at Fletcher Elementary. Teaching was her passion.

She was so dedicated to giving all her "babies" the best education possible. Leticia's coworkers

and school staff were her extended family, and she created lifelong friendships with many.

Leticia also loved Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) where she met and created close bonds with

many sisters in Christ. BSF further helped mold and shape her into a strong woman of faith.

Leticia loved and lived her life to the fullest in spite of her many health challenges. She gave her

life completely to the Lord, and she loved her family dearly, making many memories with them

over the years. Leticia enjoyed everything nature, traveling to the coast, driving to Hart Park and

Lake Ming with family, and tending to her garden. Her kind, gentle, caring and compassionate

nature was truly a bright light to all who knew and loved her. The way Leticia lived her life truly

reflected the life she lived for Jesus.

Leticia leaves behind to cherish her memory her father and mother, James and Doris Martin

(Bakersfield, CA); sister, Linda Faye Martin (Los Angeles, CA); sister, Kawana Martin

(Bakersfield, CA); brother, James Martin, Jr. (San Luis Obispo, CA; best friend, Rhea Lyons;

God-children, Justin Lyons-Girault and Carissa Lyons-Kimbrough; and numerous relatives and

friends.

Leticia was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Chester and Lucille Murray, as

well as many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

Leticia will be laid to rest alongside her paternal grandparents, James and Christine Martin, and

her great-grandmother, Johnnie Mae Williams, in the Garden of Peace at Hillcrest Memorial

Park.

A visitation for Leticia will be held Friday, September 29, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hillcrest Chapel, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, California 93306. A funeral service will occur Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, California 93306. A graveside service will occur Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, California 93306.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com for the Martin family.