Carolyn Joy Martin was born March 8, 1944, to Rev. E. Milo and Esther (Foster) Martin in Watonga, Oklahoma in a wind-swept snowstorm. Carolyn walked gently into the waiting arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 23, 2026.

Carolyn was raised with her three brothers in a Free Methodist and Nazarene parsonage family. After graduating high school in Ponca City, Oklahoma, Carolyn enrolled at Bethany Nazarene College where she studied to become a teacher and worked her own way through college. During her final semester, Carolyn met with a pastor from Parsons, Kansas who was recruiting graduates to move to his city and church. She graduated from BNC, now SNU, in 1966 and accepted a teaching position in Parsons, Kansas.

During one of her first summer breaks from teaching, she visited her aunt and uncle in Glendale, California where she fell in love with the beautiful California scenery and sunny weather. At the suggestion of her Uncle Ray and Aunt Rhoda, Carolyn applied for a teaching position in Burbank, California where she taught third grade (Jefferson Elementary) and fourth grade (Washington Elementary) for 37 years. Mid-career, Carolyn earned a master's degree from Point Loma Nazarene University.

During her 40 years in California, Carolyn and her husband were members of Hollywood Presbyterian Church led by her Pastor, Dr. Lloyd John Ogilvie. During that period, she and her husband enjoyed traveling in the summer visiting family, historical sites, and National Parks. She took over 5000 slide pictures of her travels to illustrate her teaching lessons at school.

After retirement, Carolyn moved back to Oklahoma to be close to her family. She enjoyed going to Martin family reunions over the years. She was also a member of the Bethany Kiwanis Club where she served as president in the 2009-2010 term. In addition, Carolyn enjoyed singing in church. She fondly remembered singing in the choir during a Sandy Patti Concert at Crossings Community Church. In retirement, Carolyn traveled to Europe twice and visited California with her family several times.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; former husband; brother, Stan Martin; sister-in-law, Beverly Martin; and nephews Rod Martin and Mark Martin.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and wife Rebecca; brother, Doyle Martin and sons Brent Martin and Monte Martin; the late Stan Martin's son, Aaron Martin; brother, John Martin and wife Karen and daughter Kristen Cowan; and great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

A visitation with the family will be held at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service at 3925 N. Asbury Avenue in Bethany, Oklahoma on March 13, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A funeral service for Carolyn will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Mercer-Adams. Carolyn will be laid to rest after the service at East Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Watonga, OK.

Dean and Rebecca wish to thank Uncle John and Aunt Karen for their love and help to Mother during her years of illness.

The family wishes to thank Complete Hospice, The Lakes Nursing Facility, Southern Plaza Memory Care, and Southern Plaza Retirement Community for their attentive care to Carolyn.

Carolyn will live on in our hearts and memories and will be greatly missed. Her family looks forward to our reunion with her when our Lord Jesus returns.