Janet L. Martin "Jan"

Janet L. Martin "Jan", 90, of Akron, passed away on September 7, 2026. She was born on August 23, 1936 to the late Robert and Marie (Bickler) Smith and graduated from Hower High School in 1954. Shortly after, she met Harlan Martin while she worked at a local diner. They fell in love and married on June 4, 1955.

In addition to raising her two daughters, Jan worked as a clerk at Lawson's and a bookkeeper at Polsky's, before retiring from Carter Jones after over 20 years of service.

Jan was an excellent seamstress. She made beautiful clothes for her daughters, including Easter dresses, Prom dresses, and matching outfits for all their dolls. Jan also found beauty in the outdoor world and delighted in her flowerbeds. She enjoyed quiet hours reading and working on jigsaw puzzles.

Family gatherings often included big meals and spirited board games. Christmas was her favorite holiday and she insisted on hosting each year. Jan loved having her family around her, especially her beloved grandchildren who affectionately called her "Umma". She was incredibly proud of her two daughters: Kim, who served as a nurse and Lori, who is an ordained minister.

Jan's deep faith guided her throughout her life. She was a longtime member of Meade Avenue Christian Church (now called New Horizons Christian Church) where she served as a Sunday School teacher, Treasurer, Deacon, and Board Member. She looked forward to teaching Vacation Bible School every summer. In later years, she attended Goodyear Heights United Methodist Church which evolved into Wedgewood United Methodist Church.

In addition to her parents, Jan was preceded in death by her husband, Harlan; brother, Robert J. Smith; and precious family friends, Raymond and Violet Christy.

Jan will be dearly missed by her daughters, Kimberly (Stephen) Stimler and Lori (Eddie) Wachter; grandchildren, Katie (Kylen) Stimler-Kern, Christopher Martin Stimler, Michael (Tracy) Wachter, and Leigh Anne (Bobby) Tomaino; great-grandchildren, Eliyannah Grace Kern, Emma Grace Tomaino, and Jaxon Ray Tomaino; and other nieces, nephews, and friends.

Jan's family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Danbury of Tallmadge, including Tiffany, Athena, Ken, Bray, and Patience for all their loving care.

Jan will be privately laid to rest at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

To leave a special message for Jan's family, please visit the guestbook below.