Obituary of Martha Jean Ballard

Celebration of Life Martha, daughter of the late Carl Chapman and Cora Lee (Cooksey) Smith of Titusville, Florida was raised and baptized at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Titusville, FL. Martha was carried by her Lord and Savior throughout her life as she graduated from Troy University and met the love of her life, Jerome Ballard. They married in the spring of May 31, 1986, and in 34 years of wedded bliss, raised their three beautiful children: Jerome Vincent Ballard Jr (Los Angeles, California), Brandon Maxwell Ballard (Seattle, Washington) , and Sydney Victoria Ballard (Jacksonville, Florida) who survive her. In June 1989, Martha and Jerome moved to Jacksonville where she was employed by Florida Blue as a Population Care Manager and served as a member of The First Baptist Church of Mandarin for over 15 years. She then united with Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church of Downtown Jacksonville where she enjoyed singing in the choir. Martha was a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Martha was a stable, devoted wife and mother who loved her family dearly. She also precedes life beyond her husband and children leaving her Mother-in-Law; Mrs. Hula Ballard (Ramer, Alabama). Also, Brothers and Sister in Law Samuel (Lonnie) Ballard -Ramer, AL, Patricia (Henry) Gilmer – Hubber Heights, OH , Robert (Cecropia) Ballard- Tallahassee, FL, Calvin (Renae) Ballard- Atlanta, GA, Loretta (Tony) Roberson- Atlanta, GA, Gwendolyn (Eric) Patterson, Ramer, AL. She has a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends that loved her dearly. Graveside Service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Sunday, July 26, 2020 at Pilgrim Baptist Church, 18567 Woodley Rd, Ramer, AL 36069.