Frances Elizabeth Martin

Frances Elizabeth Martin (93) of Lakeland passed away Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Carpenter’s Home.

She was born on March 10, 1932, in Lake Wales, FL to Lester and Elizabeth Martin. After graduation from Lake Wales High School, she attended the Catholic women’s college, Webster College. Upon graduation, she returned to Lake Wales to teach school at Polk Avenue Elementary for one year before entering the Holy Name Priory in St. Leo, Florida as a Benedictine nun. After devoting thirteen years in religious life, she continued to freely and generously serve God for the entirety of her life.

Education was important to her, and she remained a lifelong learner. She earned multiple advanced degrees from the University of Notre Dame and University of Tennessee, a testament to her dedication and intellect. As a professor of social work at St. Leo College, her classes were known to fill quickly- reflecting not only her passion for the subject but also the compassion she showed her students. She believed in the power of knowledge and the joy of sharing it which is why she opened her own practice upon retirement from St. Leo.

Her love of sports brought her excitement, connection, and plenty of spirited conversation. Whether cheering on Notre Dame or watching a close tennis match she enjoyed just about any game. That same competitive spirit and joy in friendly challenge carried over to her love of playing bridge. She embraced both the challenge and the chance to connect with others over a shared pastime.

Frances was a longtime member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, where she faithfully served on the St. Anthony Council of Catholic Women, including terms as president and treasurer. She was also an active participant in the Emmaus ministry. Her love for both organizations and her church was evident in the time, energy, and heart she poured into serving them.

Her kindness, quiet strength, and never-ending prayers for her loved ones is her greatest legacy that will remain an enduring gift. There is peace knowing those prayers now continue in heaven.

Frances was predeceased by her parents and her sisters, Joann McKenna and Katharine Martin. She is survived by a large and loving family including her dear sister, Joyce McClendon, her treasured cousin Joseph Morrison and his wife, Lynne, and her beloved nephews and nieces; Martin McKenna (Susan), Patrick McKenna (Melody), Katharine Kimbrell (Joey), Angela Adams (Jeff), James McClendon (Robin), Mark McClendon (Theresa), Margaret Bagwell (Charles) and David McClendon. She is also survived by 21 special great-nieces and great-nephews, 9 great-great nieces and nephews and 36 cherished cousins spread over four generations. The family is grateful for the friendship Frances and her dear friend Helen Shrode shared for over twenty years.

Her funeral mass will be Monday, June 23, 2025, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church at 11am. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 729 Marcum Road, Lakeland, FL 33809.