Virginia Beach mourns the passing of Jennie Martin, a beloved local figure, who died unexpectedly on August 28, 2025, at the age of 68. Born in Manhattan, NY, on August 11, 1957, Jennie’s warm spirit and infectious laughter left an indelible mark on everyone she knew. Her life was characterized by kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith, making her a pillar of her community.
Jennie was renowned for her welcoming nature; her home was always open, and she was quick to offer a comforting meal or a listening ear. A passionate supporter of the St. Jude Organization, she contributed monthly for over a decade to fight childhood cancer, exemplifying her compassion and dedication to making a difference.
Her family describes her as the light of their lives—an energetic woman who loved salsa dancing, Hallmark Christmas movies, and popular game shows such as Wheel of Fortune and Family Feud. Jennie also enjoyed watching Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, and America’s Got Talent, often sharing these moments with her husband. After retirement, she cherished her routine of watching soap operas, especially General Hospital, alongside her beloved husband.
Jennie is survived by her husband of 49 years, Miguel Antonio Martin; daughter Annette Butts and her husband Michael; son Michael Martin; grandchildren Jesmily Martin, Michael Martin Jr., Aaliyah Martin, and Khloe Butts; great-grandchildren Jadyn Martin, Jaylin Kelly, Mateo Martin, and Aubrianna Martin; and her siblings Minerva Rivera, Gilbert Rivera, Nancy Rivera, Victor Gutirerrez, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Her legacy of love and kindness continues to resonate within her family and friends. The community is invited to honor her life during a celebration of life service scheduled for September 4, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and September 5, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Altmeyer Funeral Home, located at 5033 Rouse Drive, Virginia Beach.
Jennie’s memory will live on in the hearts of all she touched, her joyful laugh forever echoing as a symbol of her vibrant spirit. Her family encourages donations to St. Jude’s in her memory, advocating for continued efforts to combat childhood cancer.
Jennie’s passing truly feels like the loss of a bright light in Virginia Beach. Reading about her life—her generous spirit, her dedication to her family, and her community involvement—resonates deeply with many of us who believe in kindness and compassion. I was especially touched by her long-term support for St. Jude; it speaks volumes about her character. I wonder, in today’s busy world, how does the community continue to honor and remember such impactful individuals beyond memorial services? Sharing stories and keeping their legacies alive seems a meaningful way to do so. Jennie’s love for salsa dancing and her lively personality remind us all of how important it is to embrace joy and connection amidst life’s challenges. How has someone in this community personally been inspired by her example? It would be wonderful to hear more stories about her influence.
Jennie Martin’s story is truly inspiring and a beautiful reminder of how one person’s kindness can ripple through a community. Her lifelong dedication to supporting children at St. Jude and her openness with friends and family highlight the power of compassion and connection. I especially appreciate her love for lively activities like salsa dancing and game shows; it shows how embracing joy and humor enriches our lives and helps us through tough times. With so many people like Jennie leaving such a positive impact, I wonder how our community can more actively preserve and celebrate these personal stories? Perhaps creating a local tribute project or a digital memorial could help keep her memory vibrant and inspire others to follow her example. Has anyone here thought about ways we might honor her legacy beyond the upcoming service? I believe sharing our stories not only keeps her spirit alive but also motivates us to live with the same warmth and generosity she exemplified.
Jennie’s life was a shining example of how kindness and community involvement can truly make a difference. Her unwavering support for St. Jude and her warm, open-hearted nature remind me of how important it is to cherish each moment and contribute in any way we can. I feel inspired by her dedication and wonder how we, as a community, can keep her spirit alive beyond memorial services. Perhaps establishing a local scholarship or a community garden in her memory could serve as ongoing tributes that reflect her passions and values. It also raises the question of how we can encourage more widespread acts of kindness daily. Has anyone thought of creating a legacy project that celebrates individuals like Jennie and motivates others to live with the same warmth? I believe that collective efforts like these can help ensure her joyful spirit continues to resonate within Virginia Beach.”,
Jennie’s passing truly marks the loss of a wonderful soul who embodied warmth, kindness, and generosity. Her dedication to her community and to causes like St. Jude showcases her deeply compassionate nature. I’ve always believed that living a life of service and joy, like Jennie did, leaves a lasting impact on those around us. Her love of dancing and TV shows reminds us how important it is to find happiness in everyday moments, even amidst grief. I think it would be inspiring for the community to come together and share stories of how Jennie touched their lives, perhaps in a local tribute or social media campaign. Do others feel that creating a memorial project or a dedicated space online could help keep her vibrant spirit alive and continue to motivate us all? Jennie’s legacy is a beautiful reminder that small acts of kindness can ripple far beyond what we can see.
Jennie’s vibrant spirit and her dedication to helping others truly exemplify the best of our community. I remember hearing how she always made her home a welcoming space, not just for family but for neighbors and friends in need of a kind word or a warm meal. That kind of genuine generosity is rare and so inspiring. Her long-time support for St. Jude shows her unwavering commitment to making the world better, especially for children fighting illness. It makes me wonder how many others are inspired to follow her example in everyday acts of kindness. Personally, I’ve found that participating in community service events helps keep her legacy alive and encourages others to do the same. Do others in Virginia Beach have ideas for how we might honor her memory consistently—perhaps through annual community gatherings or stories shared online that highlight her impact? Jennie’s life reminds us that small acts, done constantly, can create lasting change.
Jennie’s life story is truly inspiring and highlights the profound impact one person can have on their community through compassion and everyday kindness. Her dedication to supporting St. Jude’s and her family’s tribute to her vibrant spirit serve as a reminder of how important it is to cherish and celebrate lives that embody such warmth. I personally have found that doing simple acts, like volunteering at local events or sharing stories of kindness, can continue to honor her legacy.
Jennie Martin’s life truly exemplifies the power of kindness and community spirit. Her dedication to supporting children through St. Jude and her warm, welcoming nature have left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. I remember volunteering at a local charity event, inspired by her unwavering commitment to making a difference. It’s incredible how her love for simple joys, like dancing and sharing family moments, played such a meaningful role in her life. One thing I wonder is how our community can continue to keep her legacy alive beyond memorial services. Perhaps creating a community project or a scholarship in her name could serve as a lasting tribute while inspiring others to carry forward her compassionate spirit. How do others feel about establishing ongoing community initiatives that honor individuals like Jennie who have made such a profound impact? Her story reminds us that small, consistent acts of kindness can truly transform lives and strengthen our community as a whole.
Jennie’s life and her unwavering dedication to kindness and community support truly remind us of the importance of compassion in our daily lives. Her long-standing commitment to supporting St. Jude and her warm personality made a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Personally, I believe one meaningful way to honor her legacy would be to organize a community outreach event or a charity drive in her memory. Such initiatives could serve as ongoing reminders of her generous spirit and inspire others to carry forward her mission of helping those in need. It also raises an interesting question—how can we, as a community, create sustainable ways to keep her memory alive beyond memorial services? Maybe establishing a scholarship or a local fund in her name could support young people in Virginia Beach pursuing careers in healthcare or social work, continuing her passion for helping children and families. Has anyone here been involved in similar community projects that could be adapted to honor Jennie’s inspiring life? I would love to hear ideas or experiences from others.
Reading about Jennie Martin’s life and her unwavering dedication to kindness and community truly inspires me. Her support for St. Jude over the years and her joyful personality remind us how small acts of compassion can make a big difference. I personally remember working on a local charity event and thinking how her spirit encouraged so many of us to contribute in our ways. It makes me wonder, what are some simple yet meaningful ways the community can continue her legacy? Would a community-led project, like a scholarship or a dedicated space honoring her, be something that could motivate others to carry forward her compassionate spirit? Jennie’s love for dancing and sharing family moments reminds us to cherish joy even during times of loss. I believe her kind-heartedness sets a beautiful example for all of us to emulate. How do others in Virginia Beach feel about establishing ongoing initiatives that honor her life and spirit?
Jennie’s story truly highlights the enduring impact one person can have through simple acts of kindness and unwavering support for important causes like St. Jude. I remember attending a community fundraiser last year where stories about her generosity and vibrant spirit were shared, and it really inspired many of us to get involved. Her love for music, dancing, and spending quality time with her family reminds us all to find joy in everyday moments despite life’s challenges. I believe one meaningful way to honor her legacy would be to establish a community service award or scholarship in her name, encouraging young people to continue her charitable work and compassionate spirit. In your experiences, what are some effective ways we can involve more residents in initiatives that keep her memory alive while fostering a culture of kindness across Virginia Beach? Jennie’s life embodies how small, consistent acts can create a ripple effect of love and support.
Reading about Jennie Martin’s life really resonated with me. Her dedication to community service, especially supporting St. Jude’s, demonstrates how one person’s kindness can create a ripple effect. I appreciate how she seemed to find joy in everyday moments — from salsa dancing to family TV nights — which really reminds us to cherish those simple pleasures. One idea I’ve thought about is creating a community photo project or a story-sharing event in her honor, where people can highlight moments with her or share how she impacted their lives. Has anyone seen or been involved in similar initiatives? I’d love to hear how we might keep her spirit alive in meaningful ways, perhaps through ongoing volunteer programs or local scholarships that support children or families in need. It seems like a beautiful way for her legacy of love and compassion to inspire future generations.
Jennie’s life truly exemplifies how kindness and community involvement shape a legacy that endures beyond our immediate memories. Her commitment to supporting St. Jude over so many years reflects a depth of compassion that has inspired many of us to participate in charitable efforts, even in small ways. I remember volunteering at a local event where stories of her generosity were shared; it made me realize how impactful individual actions can be when they come from genuine heart and dedication. This makes me think about the importance of creating ongoing community initiatives—perhaps a scholarship in her name or a community service award—that could motivate others to follow her example. Additionally, organizing annual remembrance gatherings or storytelling sessions could serve as touching tributes. What do others think about leveraging her inspiring story to develop sustainable programs that celebrate her values and continue her mission of kindness and support in Virginia Beach? It’s crucial, I believe, to keep her vibrant spirit alive through actions that promote generosity and community service.