Brenda Jean Martin-Groves

November 21, 1952 ~ April 07, 2026 (age 73)

It is with great sadness that we, the Martin - Jones family, announce the transition of our beloved sister, Brenda Jean Martin - Groves. Brenda, affectionately known as “BJ,” was born to Arcell King Martin Jr. and Willie Mae Martin on November 21, 1952, in South Bend, IN. She was a 1971 graduate of Central High School.  Brenda departed this life on April 7, 2026, at the age of 73. Throughout her time on earth, Brenda loved the Lord her God with all her heart, mind, soul, and strength, and her neighbors as herself, in accordance with Matthew 22:37-39. She served mightily in her church, Sweet Home Ministries, under the leadership of Apostle Erskine Jones and Bishop Diona Jones for 28 years, where she was an usher, nurse, youth ministry president, and care ministry worker. Brenda was deeply loved and adored by her entire church family.

Brenda was also an extremely dedicated worker for the United States Postal Service for over 35 years, serving in both Dayton, OH, and South Bend, IN, where she eventually retired. After retirement, she continued her commitment to serving others as a loyal school bus driver for 15 years with the South Bend Community School Corporation. Brenda loved traveling across the United States and often brought family and friends along on her adventures. She lived a full life, always putting God first, others next, and herself last, finding joy in laughter and togetherness.

Brenda was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, LuElla and Leonard Armstrong, her paternal grandfather, Rev. Arcell King Martin Sr., her mother, Willie Mae Martin, her father, Arcell King Martin Jr., and siblings Charles Wesley Martin, Gwendolyn Martin, Claretha Huggins, Diana Floyd, and Dewayne Jones, all from South Bend, IN.

She now leaves to cherish her memory her siblings: Winfred (Joan) Martin of Cincinnati, OH; Gwendolyn Peebles of South Bend, IN; Arthur (Oletha) Jones of South Bend, IN, Anderson (Barbara) Jones of Kansas City, MO; Keith Martin of Oakland, CA; Dennis Jones of South Bend, IN; Denise Whiting of South Bend, IN; Arcell (Debbie) Martin of Trotwood, OH; and Terri L. Martin of Elkhart, IN; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends from all over the world. Wherever Brenda went, she never met a stranger, and her warmth and kindness touched countless lives.

Brenda’s legacy of faith, service, and love will live on in all those whose lives she graced. She will be deeply missed, but family and friends will forever cherish her memory and the community she served so well. Arrangements have been entrusted to www.boydandsonfuneralhome.com where condolence may be shared. Graveside Service will take place 11:00AM at Riverview Cemetery Thursday April 16, 2026.   In lieu of flowers expression of condolences through cards are welcome.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Brenda Jean Martin-Groves, please visit our floral store.

Services

Graveside Service

Thursday
April 16, 2026, 11:00 AM
Riverview Cemetery
2257 Portage Ave.
South Bend, IN 46601

Added 04/12/2026 0814 GMS 

https://www.boydandsonfuneralhome.com/obituary/Brenda-Martin-Groves