Rebecca Jean Martin

The life of Rebecca Martin reflected an appreciation of love and art instilled by caring parents, Steven O. (1917-1999) and Jean P. Martin (1924-present.) Rebecca is also survived by her beloved daughter, Christene A. Harms (Chad) and three adorable grandsons, Tyler, Bryce, and Cody. Rebecca provided care, support, and opportunities for exploration and the family created many loving, memorable and joyful moments together.

Besides her mother, Becky’s three siblings survive her: Steven G. Martin (Charlotte), Dr. Judith L. Martin (Allen Wilson), and John C. Martin (Shelly.) She was proud of her nieces, Susan J. Annabi (Dr. Hani) and Collanne West (Chris), along with their children. She was also proud of her nephews: Clint P. Martin (Danielle), Luke M. Martin, Marshall A. Martin, and Kit Bramblett and family. All enjoy positive memories of spending time with their sweet Aunt Becca.

Throughout Rebecca’s life, art, health, travel, nature, and love for people were a constant presence. Her passion for these things began during her days at Jefferson High School in San Antonio (Class of 1971) where she served as President of the Shakespeare Club. Since then, she completed various projects, such as maintaining antique roses, organizing gardens in schools (tulips, Japanese garden, xeriscape garden for Blue Zones) and further developing her skills in drawing, painting and writing.

Over a period of 25 years, Ms. Martin or Ms. Art, forged strong relationships with her students while teaching ESL, Early Literacy, and Art Education. She held an AD in Art from SAC, a BA in Art History from Trinity University, and a MA in Art and Museum Education from UNT, where she was a Marcus Fellow and a TEA gallery intern. She won the Campus Teacher of the Year Award twice in Fort Worth ISD. She also served as the District Representative of Art and was a Teacher Adviser to the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. As the Director of Education Outreach at the Sid W Richardson Museum, she was honored as the Texas Art Education Association’s Museum Educator of the Year. She retired in 2023 after spending 10 years at Tarrant County College, where she taught Art Appreciation. She also taught art history at Texas Christian University for 5 years. Ms. Martin was awarded the Nancy and Ted Paup Caseta Research Initiative Award to prepare an expanded biography on Harold Arthur Roney. She wrote Loving the Land: Harold A. Roney–Early Texas Artist and The Legacy of Leon Springs Art Colony.

Rebecca was fortunate to have the support of her family, cousins, friends, teachers and colleagues, which allowed her to live a long and fulfilling life. Her family is grateful for their love and encouragement, especially during the past year, as well as the care provided by the staff at Suncrest Hospice and ABODE. Rebecca passed away peacefully in the presence of her family. She left this world for the next chapter of life, greeted by the spiritual embrace of family reunion as Christ promised all. She will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park, 1701 Austin Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78218. Family, friends and colleagues are invited to attend a memorial service and Celebration of Life on Friday, May 17 at 11:00 a.m. at Woodland Church, 15315 Huebner Rd, San Antonio, TX 78248.

Should friends desire, memorials may be sent to ABODE Contemplative Care for the Dying, Audubon Society, Heifer International, Nature Conservancy, Pancreatic Research Foundation or Woodland Church.