Martha Grace Jones' Obituary
Martha Grace Jones (née Taylor), age 68, was called home to be with the Lord July 17th, 2023 in Orange City, Florida after a brief but valiant battle with cancer. She was born on October 6th, 1954 to Joel Jackson Taylor and Frances Louise Garrow (née Bevers) in Miami, Florida. Their family eventually settled in Sanford where Martha spent much of her childhood. A self-described “free-spirited wild child,” Martha wandered about before relocating to Michigan as a young adult; ultimately, Florida was home and called her back again. She remained in the Sunshine State the rest of her days until her passing.
While Martha enjoyed crafting of all sorts, reading, gardening, and visiting with friends and neighbors, her family was her passion. Martha described the happiest time in her life as the time she was able to spend as a homemaker with her children. She threw herself into PTA meetings, baking (and baking some more) for various school fundraisers, sewing costumes for school plays, and assisting with every volunteer need under the sun. Ultimately, simply spending time with her children and visiting with her grandchildren once they arrived brought her the greatest joy in life.
Although being a homemaker made her happiest, Martha received her A.S. in Architectural Drafting and Construction with a specialization in Fire Sprinkler Design from Seminole Community College in 1998, graduating with high honors. She worked briefly in that field as well as many others in life. Martha worked as a waitress, bookkeeper, cashier, secretary, picture framer, and was a telephone crisis assistant to victims of Hurricane Katrina. Sadly, Martha was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and sustained a series of strokes, forcing her into retirement and rendering her home-bound. Even through debilitating illnesses, Martha found the strength to volunteer for her local VFW chapter making sleeping mats for homeless veterans. She also assisted various neighbors and friends with whatever odd jobs she was capable of; her giving and sacrificial spirit knew no bounds.
Martha is preceded in death by her father Joel Taylor, her brother Joel “Jackie” Taylor, and her grandson Griffen Engman. She is survived by her mother Frances Garrow and her brother Donnie Taylor as well as her children James “Rusty” Engman, Nicholas Jones, Michelle Jones, and Christopher Jones. Her surviving grandchildren include Sidney Engman, Spencer Baranovic, Elizabeth Baranovic, Gabriel Baranovic, Emma Jones, Christopher “Wyatt” Jones, Alice Jones, Jackson Jones, and Jonathan Jones. Services will be held on July 29th, 2023 at Baldauff Family Funeral Home at 1233 Saxon Blvd., Orange City, Florida. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. with services at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
What’s your fondest memory of Martha?
What’s a lesson you learned from Martha?
Share a story where Martha's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Martha you’ll never forget.
How did Martha make you smile?