Laura Lynn Martin, 64, of Mattoon, Illinois, passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Tuesday, October 30, 2018, at her home.

Laura Martin was born May 7, 1954 in Tacoma, Washington but grew up in Olney, Illinois. Daughter of Jim and JoAnn Sprague Pottorff, she was the eldest of four children. Laura was married to Michael Martin, December 24, 1983. They shared 35 wonderful years together and raised their three girls, Melissa, Carey and Sara in Olney until they moved to Mattoon in 1986.

Laura’s passion for reading and learning led her to a career in teaching. She retired from the Mattoon School District after 33 years of service. Laura loved God and was devoted to her church and to helping others. She served as a Deacon and was past president and treasurer of the Presbyterian Women and was a regular volunteer at Heartland Christian Village in Neoga. She was a spiritual mentor to many and touched the lives of countless individuals. She enjoyed music, was a fine pianist and enjoyed musical theatre. She played horn in the Eastern Illinois Symphony and the Olney City Band. Laura was most happy when spending time with her loving family.

Laura was preceded in death by her father and will be deeply missed by her husband, Michael Martin of Mattoon, Illinois; daughter Carey Martin-Cohen and husband Jeremy, their children Lia and MJ; daughter Sara Martin, and children Mara, Isaac and Lila; daughter Melissa McDaniel, husband Tony, and their children Zack, Reilly and Sophie; and great grandson, Luka; mother, JoAnn Pottorff; siblings Julie Jones (Randy), Jim Pottorff (Cathy) and Jennifer Morrison (Bill).

A memorial service will be Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 10 Charleston Ave., Mattoon, IL.

Olney Daily Mail (IL) obituary & photo  – November 9, 2018