Sarah Joy Rice Martin
Sarah Joy Rice Martin, born September 27, 1937, went home to be with the Lord on June 20, 2024.
Raised in Wheaton, Il., she attended Wheaton College with a BA in English Literature and an MFA in Music and Speech from Bob Jones University.
She was the daughter of the well-known evangelist and founder of the Sword of the Lord, Dr. John R. Rice. She married Roger Martin on Aug. 26, 1960, who pastored churches in Kentucky, Colorado, Missouri, and Chattanooga.
She served as a pastor’s wife for many years, taught countless students music, speech and English over the years, directed the concert choir at Tennessee Temple University, and conducted marriage conferences throughout the US and several countries. She lived a life of service and ministry. The impact she made on the lives of others is innumerable.
She was a brilliant storyteller, loved music and was a beautiful pianist. She was especially known for her radiant smile that could light up a room. She loved everyone unconditionally and never met a stranger.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Roger Edward Martin, children, Roger Jr. (Joy), David (Doreen), Bruce (Marlina), Marilou Lyons (Daniel), Melody, Holly (Trina), 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and sisters, Libby Handford and Joanna Rice.
She was preceded in death by her father, John R. Rice, mother, Lloys Cooke Rice, and sisters, Grace, Mary Lloys, and Jessie.
The visitation will be on Sunday, June 23, from 4–8 p.m. at the Heritage Funeral Home in Fort Oglethorpe.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 24, at Grace Baptist Church (First SDA Church at 7450 Standifer Gap Road) in Chattanooga with burial services to be followed at the Bill Rice Ranch in Murfreesboro.
Visit www.heritagebattlefield.com to share condolences with the family and view memorial tribute.