Melissa Martin, 48, of Centralia, passed away Saturday, January 13, 2024, in her home surrounded by her family.
Melissa was born February 19, 1975, in Centralia, the daughter of Forrest ‘Bud’ Martin and Exie (Arnold) Martin.
Melissa is survived by three sons: Eric Durham and significant other Aleena Kaltenberger, Anthony Martin and fiance Mahalah Powell, and Donavan Watson and significant other Olivia Oxford; two daughters: April Durham McClellan and husband Michael and Dearria Watson; her mother: Exie Martin; loving nana to thirteen grandchildren: Nevaeh Durham, Nikolai Durham, Ellie Greuter, Eliza Durham, Amara Durham, Brezlin Martin, Everleigh Martin, Janiyah Simmons-Young, Wyatt Squibb, Waylon Squibb, Traevon Wesley, Marissa McClellan, and Michael McClellan; four sisters: Julie Kohrig and husband G, Tracy Clifton, Lori Allen and husband Eugene, and Deanna Howard; three nieces: Chamareanna Johnson who called Melissa ‘Sunshine’, Kashel McClain who called Melissa ‘Tete’, and Ki Ristia Allen-Lampe; one nephew: Dyllan Allen; and fur baby Stella.
Melissa was preceded in death by her father and grandparents.
Melissa attended Greenview Christian Church. She enjoyed playing dominos with her best friend Laura Jones, and going on errand runs with her good friend Le Anna Williams. She also enjoyed camping and fishing. Melissa loves the ocean and went to see it for the first time last year. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her kids and grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by those who knew her.
Per Melissa Martin’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and a Celebration of Life service will be held on February 17, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Sphrehe Field. Memorial donations in memory of Melissa can be made to Six Lemons or Greenview Christian Church and can be accepted at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Melissa’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland Funeral Homes Facebook Page.
