"I am so sorry to read about Lisa's death. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
In loving memory of
Lisa Bower Martinez
April 6, 2017
Lisa Bower Martínez, 56, of Hannibal, went to be with Jesus on April 6, 2017.
Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM, Friday April 14, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church in Hannibal, MO.
Private burial will be at the Evergreen Cemetery in Camp Point, IL.
Friends and family are invited to Lisa's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be held from 6:00 PM- 8:00 PM, Thursday, April 13, 2017 at the Hansen Spear Funeral Home in Quincy, IL. A second visitation will be from 10:00 AM until time of services Friday, April 14, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church.
The family is being served by the James O'Donnell Funeral Home of Hannibal, MO.
Lisa was born in Camp Point, Illinois to Jay R. Bower and Shirley Day Bower on November 15, 1960.
At a young age Lisa moved with her family to Quincy, Illinois. While at Quincy High School, Lisa was active in theater, choir, and band. She stole the show in roles such as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. and Molly in The Unsinkable Molly Brown.
In college, at Southern Methodist University, Lisa majored in musical theatre.
During college she met her husband Andy Martínez, while attending Highland Park Presbyterian Church.
Christ became Lord of her life while on a mission to Mexico with the Baptist Student Mission. Lisa then followed the Lord's call to serve as a marriage and family counselor.
Once married, Lisa and Andy, served at a Presbyterian Church in Glendora, California before joining the Vineyard Christian Fellowship in church planting.
Three wonderful children were born during this time in Dallas, Texas: Peter Björn Martínez (Alexis), Lauren Martínez Olinger (David), and Joy Claire De Aguilar Martínez. Each day just before leaving for school, Lisa taught the kids a verse from the Bible and she asked them to pray for three friends. This happened every day and many they prayed for came to know the Lord.
Lisa supported the startup of Fellowship of Christian Athletes at the Outer Banks High School and youth groups at each of the churches she served at with Andy.
With her husband, Lisa has lived in Glendora, CA; Pasadena, CA; Mission Viejo, CA; Grapevine, TX; Waynesburg, PA; Kill Devil Hills, NC; Elk Rapids, MI; and Hannibal, Missouri.
In each of these locations, Lisa has fiercely loved and supported her husband and her three children.
Lisa loved God with Thanksgiving and served him faithfully. She inspired many and loved others sacrificially.
Gifts to honor Lisa may be made at gofundme.com, then search for Lisa Martínez of Hannibal, MO.
Tributes
"Lisa visited me late August or early Sept. of 2016. She drove to Quincy one afternoon for that visit. It was as if we were back in her days in high school. She was her usual self, respectful, energetic and informative. After telling me about her challenges, we did some singing. She had shared with me the voice lesson experiences with Seth Riggs, it was then she told me she was a coloratura soprano. Jay, you and Shirley raised a genuine treasure who touched many lives. Thank you for sending Lisa to me for lessons, you honored me by allowing me to work with her. Words cannot express how we all feel about losing her. Her family will continue her legacy. Much love and prayers to you both. Charlotte Zander Tournear"
"Jay and Shirley- I am so sorry. I send my love and prayers."