Veneta Lavaughn (Williams) Martin, age 89, daughter of John and Glendola (McKinney) Williams, was born July 15, 1935, in Yukon, Missouri. She passed away Nov. 25, 2024, at Houston House in Houston, Missouri.
Veneta is preceded in death by her parents, John and Glendola (McKinney) Williams; husband, Harold “Pepper” Martin; two sisters, Dora Elgin and Donna Valleroy; and two brothers, Eugene Williams and Charles Williams.
She is survived by her sisters, Arlene Brill of Mountain Grove, Missouri and Dorothy Medlock of Enid, Oklahoma; one brother, Glenn (Susie) Williams of Cabool, Missouri; son, Roger (Tammy) Martin of Houston; grandson Jason (Bobbi) Martin of Houston; four great-grandchildren, Jaydin Williams, Taylor Martin, Ashlynn Brazier and Trenton Martin; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
Veneta grew up in the Yukon area where she lived on a farm and maintained chores while helping take care of her siblings. She met Harold “Pepper” Martin, and they were married Oct. 25, 1953. They bought their first home in Houston, where they had their first and only child, Roger Lynn Martin in 1961. Over the years she worked at International Shoe and the HD Lee Factory, both in Houston.
Veneta was a member of the Houston Bible Baptist Church in Houston. She received Christ in her heart at an early age and was later baptized at Big Creek in Yukon. She has remained faithful to her Lord and Savior since that time. She always had her bible in hand.
Veneta could be easily found in her garden doing what she loved, growing and harvesting vegetables to later be canned and prepared into meals for her loved ones. She was a wonderful quilter, making quilts for her child and grandchildren. Anyone who received a quilt knew it was a special gift and made with love. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, spending time with loved ones, and most importantly, reading her bible.
Veneta loved her family. She loved her son Roger dearly, as well as her daughter-in-law Tammy, who was more like a daughter. She enjoyed watching her grandson Jason play baseball in his earlier years. She hardly missed a game. It was the highlight of her day to see her great-grandchildren, who she adored. They referred to her as “Granny.”
Veneta was a wonderful wife, daughter, mother, grandma, great grandma and friend. She always looked for ways to help her family and friends. She felt that each day was given to her to enjoy and live for God. She will be greatly missed by all, but we know she is embracing the beauty of Heaven and is rejoicing in the presence of the one she has desired to meet…Jesus.
A visitation for Veneta will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, at Evans Funeral Home in Houston. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Gordon Rhoades and Pastor Dennis Ulrey officiating. Pallbearers are Roger Martin, Jason Martin, Trenton Martin, Bob Schafer, Lee Schafer, Jaydin Williams, Ashlynn Brazier and Taylor Martin. Interment was at Pine Lawn Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Evans Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.evansfh.com.
