Barbara Joan Sanders Martin was born on January 22, 1940 in Smithfield, Ohio to the late Carlene Sanders Tarver and the late Edward Newton. Barbara passed away at age 86, on August 8th, 2026 after an extended illness. She attended McKinley Sr. High. She worked at Joseph T. Nist Healthcare Center and Canton City Schools as a School Cafeteria Monitor. Barbara was an excellent homemaker to her children and family. She was a sitter for many of her grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Barbara was a great baker and cook. Her Butter Log Christmas Cookies are still unmatched in the Martin Family. Barbara was an advid bowler, as she enjoyed bowling with her good girl friends at Classic Bowl on Friday nights. Barbara was a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. She sang in the choir and was a member of the usherboard. Her infectious laugh and warm and caring spirit will defiantely be missed.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, her adored daughter Sheila Sanders, protective brother Otis Gibbs, dependable sister Loretta Gibbs, loving granddaughter Kayelisa Martin and great grandson Omoyele Gonzalez. Her Uncle Judge and Jettie Sanders, Leroy Hampton, William Sanders, Betty Hall, Gerald and William Young, and Dorothy and Leon Horton. In-laws, Donald and Grace Martin, Donna and Walter Martin, Horace Martin Sr., Shirley and Milton Ransom, Phillip Martin, Brenda Graves, Paul Martin, Abdul and Karen Ali, Dwayne Martin, and David Terrell.Barbara was married to Sherman Martin Sr. for 66 years. She leaves to cherish her husband, devoted daughters Kovetta Sanders, and Shermell Martin of Atlanta Georgia. Her noble sons Sherman Martin Jr., Kevin Martin, Rodney and Audra Martin all of Canton. Her beloved siblings Michele Terrell and Eric Tarver of Canton, Ohio. In addition, Barbara leaves to cherish,13 unforgettable grandchildren, 11 radiant great grandchildren, and 2 inquisitive great-great grand children and a host of nieces and nephews that loved their "Aunt Barb" dearly. Three sister in-laws Clara Martin, Rosie Lee Martin, and Janet Martin.

Special Friends: Gloria Howard, Goldie Howard, Patsey Sheeler, Martha Miles, and Pricilla Perkins

Acknowledgements:

The family of Barbara J. Martin acknowledges with sincere appreciation the prayers, dinners, visits to the nursing home, calls, texts, flowers, and other expressions of kindness of love during this time of bereavement. May God Bless you all. With love,

The Martin Family