Janene S. Martin, 59, of Lincoln, died July 21, 2013. The daughter of Margie and Roy Martin, Jeanie was born June 13, 1954 in Lincoln. Jeanie graduated Lincoln Southeast High School in 1972, attended Stephens College in Columbia, Mo. and Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, where she graduated in 1975 with a degree in theatre arts and dance. She also spent time at Perry Mansfield School of Dance in Steamboat Springs, Colo.
Jeanie enrolled as the first female student in the School of Theology at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla.; later formed Creative Casting, Inc.; conducted seminars in Texas. Returned to Lincoln in 1985 where she received treatment for anorexia nervosa and has been a resident of Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital since 1993.
Jeanie is survived by her parents and daughter, Mary L. Martin of Austin, Texas; sister-in-law, Carol Martin Overson; nephew, Matt Martin of Taylors, S.C.; niece, Jennifer Martin of Rutledge, Mo. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jeff Martin.
Memorial service: 2 pm Friday (9/13) St. Mark's United Methodist Church Chapel. Memorials to St. Mark's Memorial Garden Fund, 8550 Pioneers Blvd. (20) or Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, 5500 South Street (06). Condolences online at roperandsons.com.
Anne Alexander (Wagner)
I can't recall ever seeing Jeanie any time or any place during our high school years when she wasn't wearing that broad, beautiful smile that was SO her signature. She was the epitome of good times and laughter for the class of '72. The words "a riot" come to mind when thinking of what was probably written of her over and over in those little spiral notebooks we called, 'slam books.' What a fabulous sense of humor she had! Her eyes danced when she teased and joked... I remember a time when I had gotten some new clothes --a very rare occasion indeed, for me-- I wore them all to school within one week. Jeanie dubbed me, "Fashion Plate" that week, and we giggled about it like school girls -- which we were! I don't think I ever saw Jeanie after HS graduation, but I will always remember that ever-present, beautiful signature smile of hers, and the way her thick(!) tresses bounced and flounced when she walked and talked...
Here is the vision I have of Jeanie now:
...She is sitting beside the King of Kings in His court, doing some serious judgment calls. She mutters a joke under her breath to The Prince of Peace. They both try to stifle their laughter, but are unable to do so. They both burst out into peals of uncontrollable laughter with tears streaming down their faces. Our Father tries to maintain solemnity and sternness -- Attempting to suppress His chuckling, His shoulders begin to shake, and He is unable to contain His laughter. all of Heaven is resounding with the music that is laughter....
Jeanie, we were so blest to have you among us. You made sure we laughed and had fun... :-D. Rest in Peace, "Jeans" ... You are finally free of the plagues that burden and consume human flesh. Whatever silenced you for so long on this earth will never again bind you. Live Out Loud. Love Out Loud. Laugh Out Loud...Forevermore...
Terry Redden (Sprenger)
That was great (what you posted) Anne! Jeannie was a good friend of mine too. I remember when she sat in a large trash can in the lunchroom and got stuck in it. She was alot of fun.