Linda Joyce Martinez

Linda Joyce Pepper Martinez, 79, of Columbus, GA passed away Tuesday evening, May 21, 2019 at the Piedmont Regional Medical Center in Columbus, GA.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm EST on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Vance Brooks Funeral Home in Phenix City with Rev. Chris Webb officiating.  A private interment will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Hopkinsville, KY.  The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm EST at the funeral home in Phenix City.

Linda was born December 22, 1939 in Hopkinsville, KY to the late Harold Edward Pepper and Mildred Skimehorn Pepper.  She was employed with Dolly Madison in Columbus, GA and was retired with many years of loyal service.  She served our country and was a Veteran of the United States Army.  She loved shopping on QVC, and was passionate about animals, especially all the ones that needed love and a home.  In the 60’s, she was thrilled in having the opportunity to meet Elvis Presley while he was filming in Hawaii.  Linda was a lady of great character and loved everyone, especially her family and her pets.  She was Catholic by faith.  Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Barbara “Susie” Minor, and Edith “Eady” Hardwich, and four brothers, David Pepper, Edward “Eddie” Pepper, Ronald “Ronnie” Pepper, and William “Billy” Pepper.

She is survived by four sons, Timothy Martinez and wife Sonya of Columbus, GA, Robert Martinez and wife Michelle of Phenix City, AL, Chad Pepper and Cinda Bell of Columbus, GA, and Scott Martinez of Rhode Island, one sister, Judi Douglas and husband Jim of Seattle, WA; (9) grandchildren, Gabriel Martinez, Brad Martinez, Eric Norris, Jason Norris, Noah Pepper, Bridge Pepper, Cade Pepper, Jeff Paul, and Lauren Rachel, and (10) great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends.

Flowers are welcome or contributions may be made to Paws Humane Society 4900 Milgen Road Columbus, GA 31909 in memory of Ms. Linda Joyce Martinez.