Jeanne Tennier Martin

Our beloved Jeanne Martin, aged 81, of Charlotte, N.C., passed away peacefully after suffering a massive stroke on Sunday, June 22, 2025. 

Jeanne was born to Ellen and John Tennier in Minneapolis. She graduated from Washburn High School and went on to attend the University of Minnesota for three years before leaving school to marry Steve Martin. She worked with the Minnesota Board of Realtors until giving birth to her only daughter, Jessica, in 1970. Family life brought adventure, as the group of three moved five times over the next decade, including a two-year stint in São Paulo, Brazil. Landing in Charlotte on the 4th of July, 1980, Jeanne and her family found their permanent home. 

Jeanne immediately became involved in her community, most notably at Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary, where she volunteered once a week for the rest of her life, taking a break only to help care for her grandson Stephen, one of her greatest joys. Her passion for birds and flowers also flourished in her own backyard, which was designated a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. Jeanne was an active member of the Flower Trail Garden Club, the Savvy Women Investment Group, and an original member of the Novel Women Book Club, founded in 1993. She also religiously worked out at the YWCA Central Carolinas twice a week.

Jeanne had an unparalleled optimistic outlook on life, and her cheer, personal strength and sweet disposition will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Jeanne is survived by her husband of almost 60 years Stephen F. Martin; daughter Jessica M. Graham (Warren); grandson Stephen Davis Graham; sister-in-Law Betsy Jordahl (Stan); and niece Frith Cothe (Thomas). She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Nancee Brown, brother-in-law Bobby Brown, and niece Beth Brown.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 16 at 2 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Breakthrough T1D or Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary.

Hankins and Whittington is assisting the family.