Lawana Lee Martin: Devoted Nurse, Faith Leader, and Matriarch Remembered

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Lawana Lee Martin
December 18, 1933 – January 12, 2026

Lawana Lee Martin passed into the loving arms of her Savior on January 12, 2026, after a life marked by faith, service, and devotion to others. A woman of strength and compassion, Lawana leaves behind a legacy of love that spans generations and touched countless lives. 

Born on December 18, 1933, in Bellingham, Washington, Lawana was the daughter of Earl and Vera McCarty. Lawana had two brothers, Pat and Dean and a little sister Linda. 

In 1937 at the age of four, Lawana survived polio, leaving one leg shorter than the other. Though others noticed her limp, her family never did—because to them, she walked with unwavering strength and determination. Lawana grew up on an Island in Bellingham and at a young age began to sneak into the back of the school house because she loved to learn, which allowed her to skip ahead two grades when she was finally old enough to start school. Lawana’s father was a career fisherman and the family followed Earl up and down the coast, going as far as Alaska, and landing in Humboldt County when Lawana was 12.  Lawana loved to roller skate and never missed the weekly skate nights and the chance to show off her skills at the municipal auditorium. Lawana attended Eureka High School, where she was a member of the school marching band, playing the flute, while maintaining a straight A average. 

Lawana met James L. Martin at the Grace Baptist Church youth group in 1948 and on January 10, 1952, they married, beginning a partnership grounded in faith and family. Together they raised seven children: Cathy, Kim, Candy, Kelly, Chris, Keith, and Casey. Family was the great joy of Lawana’s life. She was blessed with 83 grandchildren each of whom carries a piece of her wisdom and strength. 

Lawana answered a calling, she carried from a young age, when she became a nurse. She graduated from the College of the Redwoods nursing program in 1970 while raising seven children, including one who was severely handicapped.  She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Humboldt State  University.Lawana devoted 48 years to being a nurse. These years started at General Hospital, primarily in the Emergency Room, where a few months after starting she began to serve as night supervisor, and was trusted to oversee the entire hospital. She also became a supervisor at Mad River hospital, worked as a traveling nurse, taught nursing courses at CR, and later worked at St. Joseph Hospital, as well as a Dermatology office. Nursing was never just a job to her—it was her ministry. Former patients often stopped her in public to express their gratitude, her coworkers at the hospitals began to call her Mother Martin or just 

Mom, and her former repeat patients liked to call her Sarge. She has three granddaughters who followed in her footsteps and continue her nursing legacy.  Lawana was known for her skill, leadership, and love of the Lord. She was often called upon to help when others struggled, and she consistently encouraged colleagues, family and friends to further their education. During these demanding years as a nurse, she also lovingly cared for her son Chris, whose life, doctors believed was extended through her devoted and expert care. She finally retired from the St Joseph ER in 2016 at age 83, after a health diagnosis. 

Despite her many responsibilities through the years, Lawana never slowed. She cared for her home and children, preparing lunches for her children each day, baking twelve loaves of bread every week, as well as teaching Sunday school and Bible study for 65 plus years. Sundays were devoted to church, where her faith was not only spoken but lived.  

Lawana was deeply involved in First Covenant Church of Eureka. She served as chairman on numerous boards and committees. The Eureka Rescue Mission and Triumphant Life Camp hold a special place in her heart. She spent many summers through 2023 serving as a TLC camp nurse. 

In her seventies, her heart led her to welcome a foster child, Alexis, supporting her through the end of junior high and preparing her for high school. Lawana also treasured traveling with her grandchildren around the world and watching them play sports creating memories that will be cherished forever.  

Lawana shared a remarkable friendship of nearly 73 years with her dear friend Sherrill Johanson and Sherrill’s husband, Jay. Their enduring bond was a testament to loyalty, love, and shared faith. 

Lawana never complained about her health. Her faith never wavered, and she faced each day with strength, grace, and love. Lawana filled her retirement time with board meetings, Sunday school, bible studies, and planning church events.  Her favorite thing to do in retirement was get her green waste bins full to the brim every week. 

Lawana Lee Martin was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, a gifted nurse and, above all, a faithful servant of the Lord. She was a fighter until the end, and those who knew her find comfort in knowing she is now in heaven —undoubtedly “taking charge,” joyfully leading important work once again. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her legacy an enduring example of faith in action.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jim Martin, son Chris Martin, stepdaughter Joyce Ann Kutchara, brothers Edward “Pat” and Dean McCarty.  She is survived by her children Cathy Stewart and husband Jim; Kim Martin and wife Verona; Candy Martin and partner Jimmy; Kelly Martin and wife Kala; Keith Martin; and Casey Martin and fiancé Margo; 80 of her grandchildren; and her beloved sister, Linda Muzinich of Santa Barbara, and other extended family who will all miss her dearly.  

There will be a Celebration of Life for Lawana at First Covenant Church of Eureka (2526 J St.) Saturday, February 14 at 2:30 pm with reception to follow. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made in Lawana’s name to Triumphant Life Camp, Eureka Rescue Mission, and First Covenant Church.