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 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.