Wanda Brown Martin

Wanda Jean Brown Martin, age 69, passed peacefully at home on July 30, 2023 after a courageously fought battle with cancer. Wanda was born in St. Clair County Alabama on September 24, 1953 to the late Eugene Sumpter Brown and Mary Hazel Nixon Brown. She is survived by her husband, James Travis Martin; son, James Kiley Martin (Mitzi); a daughter, Christa Marella Martin; grandchildren, Dylan Kyle Martin, Brooklyn Shea Cosby, Nora Beth Cosby, Christopher Gaige Cosby; and great-grandchild, Gianna Grace. Wanda is the beloved sister of Gary Eugene Brown (Suellen, deceased), Linda Gail Brown Brand (Wayne, deceased), Hazel Lavonne Brown, Ricky Dean Brown (Angie) and Samuel Wade Brown (Patsy).

A free spirited child in the 70’s, Wanda was the classic beauty of that era. After graduating high school, she and Travis married in her parents’ home on Nixon Road. It was a small, simple wedding. They would settle down on that same road raising children, building a business, spoiling grandchildren, and enjoying extended family gatherings in her childhood right next door. The simple life she lived created its own beautiful rewards.

Wanda was a devoted Christian wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved growing beautiful gardens, cooking delicious southern foods, planting flowers, crocheting, quilting, traveling, coin collecting, and singing karaoke. These simple things she put her hands to were defined by abiding love and servanthood.

Wanda had a razor sharp wit and an infectious laughter. She held fast to her beliefs and fiercely defended those she loved. The words Abba Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit were never far from her lips. As her life was ending, she prayed for, comforted, and laughed with her family assured of the glorious victory that lay ahead. In her own words Wanda said “I am a simple person.” Her simple life was a beautifully authentic life. And with God, a simple life is a blessed life. “The Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, He saved me.” 1 Corinthians 14:33

There will be a graveside service at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, one can donate to a cancer society of your choice in the name of Wanda Jean Brown Martin. Pallbearers will be Dylan Martin, Gaige Cosby, Ryan Bowman, Wesley Brown, Samuel Brown and Kevin Geeslin.

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