Marina G. Martinez

Marina G. Martinez, age 91, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 21, 2026, surrounded by her children.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waco, Texas, with Father Benji officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026, with the Rosary beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the chapel of Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home in Waco.

Marina was born on October 22, 1934, in Taylor, Texas, to Apolonio E. Gonzales and Maria Garcia Gonzales. Her parents moved the family to Waco when she was young, and where she attended school. As a girl, Marina worked alongside her father in the cotton fields, creating lasting memories and developing the strong work ethic that would guide her throughout her life. She later met the love of her life, Joe O. Martinez, and they were married on June 26, 1954. Marina held several jobs over the years, but her most cherished role was raising her children. She also treasured the memories she made with her grandchildren, from playing games together to watching every Disney movie.

When she was not indoors, Marina could often be found outside tending to her garden, one of her favorite pastimes, or simply sitting on her swing enjoying the weather. She was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where she became involved with the Guadalupana’s and the Apostolado Society. She also enjoyed serving as a teacher’s aide for Sunday school.

Marina was also an active member of Waco Missions, Inc., where she loved attending dances, playing bingo, and setting up garage sales to help raise money for the club. She especially enjoyed spending time with family during the holidays, particularly Christmas and Easter. One of the family’s most treasured memories was the special song and dance she would share with each new grandchild and great-grandchild: “A ding, a ding, a dingy dingy dong…”

She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Joe O. Martinez; her parents, Apolonio and Maria Gonzales; her son, Frankie Martinez; one brother; and three sisters.

Marina is survived by her children: daughters Janie Jasso and Debbie Hurtado; sons Joe Jr. and wife Mary, Frederick and wife Shannon, and David and wife Melissa. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons Ernie Garcia, Jonathan Martinez, Miguel Hurtado, Derek Gibson, David Martinez Jr., and Jeremy Martinez. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Martinez III, Joshua Martinez, and Maximus Martinez.

Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Marina’s memory.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the nurses and nurse aides at Wesley Woods for the exceptional care they provided, and Baylor Scott and White Hospice Team for their care as well to Marina.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Marina on her “Tribute Wall” at www.whbfamily.com.