Virginia May Martin

Virginia May Martin of Saginaw, MI went to her Lord on Wednesday, January 20, 2021. Virginia was born the eldest of ten children on June 13, 1932 in Colby, Kansas to Rev Henry H Baker and Hazel C Gross. Virginia was the beloved wife of Julian C Martin whom she married on November 16, 1957.

Virginia was a wonderful homemaker, wife, sister, mother, and grandmother. She was an active member of Bay City Evangelical Free Church for many years before moving to Saginaw where she joined Hopevale Church. Over the years she enjoyed being a part of Bible studies, choir and Sojourners group. She loved books and was an avid reader. Her children remember coming downstairs every morning to find her reading the Bible. As a seamstress, Virginia sewed her daughters’ wedding and bridesmaids dresses. She made a personalized Christmas stocking with intricate cross stitch design for all of her 18 grandchildren that they each cherish. Virginia was a letter writer who faithfully sent cards to every family member and many friends on birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. Those greetings will be greatly missed. She and her siblings began a round robin letter in the late 1950’s which continues to this day. Virginia loved and served the Lord and her family. She had a bright beautiful smile that welcomed everyone she came across and she was loved by many.

Virginia is survived by her husband, Julian and their six children Diana (Franklin) Woodland of Chicago, IL, Donald (Julie) Martin of Flushing, MI, Deborah (Christopher) Gaulden of Atlanta, GA, Darla (Rev Todd) Cederberg of Stuart, FL, Doris (James) Clunie of Freeland, MI and Denise (David) Clark of Saginaw, MI. Twenty grandchildren, Trevor, Muriel, Spencer(d.) Woodland, Elise (Daniel) Hester, Eric, Jacob and Julia Martin, Stephen and Patrick Gaulden, Daniel (Fanny) Cederberg, Alethea (Ryan) Dixon, Mary (Timothy) Harris, Peter Cederberg, Audrey (Robert) Kennedy, Elliott and Justine Clunie, Katie and Joshua Bennett, Alex and Nikole Clark. Seven great grandchildren, Lucas Hester, Tegan, Nica and Jameson Dixon, Oliver and Lenora Kennedy, and Evan Clark. Siblings Clara (Larry) Walz, James (Mabel) Baker, Richard (Elaine) Baker, Rev Robert (Jeanni) Baker, Dennis (Judi) Baker, and Paul Baker.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers Lawrence Baker and Charles Baker, sister Shirley Bishop, sisters-in-law Judy Baker and Debi Baker, stepmother Mary Virginia Baker and grandson Spencer Woodland.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 30, 2021, at Hopevale Church, 4873 North Center Road, Saginaw. Rev. Daniel S. Davis will officiate with burial to follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Friends may visit with the family at the church from 9:00 am until the time of service.