Jessie L.(REYNOLDS) MARTIN, 93, of Belleville and formerly of Mt. Vernon, born Nov. 9, 1911, in Nason, died Sept. 8, 2005, at Cedar Ridge Healthcare Facility in Lebanon of natural causes.

Mrs. MARTIN graduated valedictorian of the Benton High School class of 1930. She graduated from Centralia Business College, class of 1932. She was ahead of her time in advancing her education. Also, this degree would further her career when she opened her business.

Mrs. MARTIN owned and operated the Lynn Ann Shop in downtown Mt. Vernon for 21 years. She was an active member of the Mt. Vernon Chamber of Commerce; a member of the Mt. Vernon Illinois Downtown Business Association and a board member of the Mt. Vernon Development Corporation.

Mrs. MARTIN was preceded in death by her husband, Gale MARTIN, who she married July 12, 1932, and who died March 2, 1997; her parents, Alfred G. and Nettie REYNOLDS; a son, Gary MARTIN; a sister, Josie REYNOLDS WILLIAMS; a brother, Ralph REYNOLDS; and a grandson, Keith MARTIN.

Surviving are four children, Jack (Tammy) MARTIN of Lenzberg, Beverly Ann SIMPSON of St. Louis, Ronnie (Susie) MARTIN of Camdenton, Mo., and David (Donna) MARTIN of Belleville; nine grandchildren, Lynn Ann MARTIN of Chicago, Alan SIMPSON of Littleton, Colo., Randy MARTIN of St. Louis, Marty SIMPSON of St. Louis, Scott MARTIN of Los Angeles, Calif., Christopher MARTIN of Belleville, Shane MARTIN of Tuscon, Ariz., Heather MARTIN of St. Louis and Brittany MARTIN of Belleville; 10 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Mary REYNOLDS of Florida; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Mrs. MARTIN was a longtime member of Central Christian Church in Mt. Vernon. Memorials may be made to Central Christian Church in Mt. Vernon or Abner Cemetery in Nason. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, with Howard KRAPS officiating. Burial will be in Abner Cemetery in Nason. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home, where you may call 242-3348 for further information.

NOTE: Jessie L. (REYNOLDS) MARTIN is the daughter of Alfred G. and Nettie I. (LOMAN) REYNOLDS

Source: Register-News, Mt Vernon IL
Date: September 9, 2005
Submitted by: Robert W. Loman
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