Johnnie Mae Martin

Johnnie Mae Martin was born on May 31, 1934 in Rohwer, Arkansas a small community outside of McGhee, Arkansas. She accepted Christ at a young age and was a member of McGhee Chapel Baptist Church in McGhee, Arkansas.

Johnnie Mae was a graduate of Desha High School and furthered her education at AM&N College, now UAPB. She grew up to possess a beautiful spirit and blossomed into a beautiful young woman. She married Eddie L. Tank, Sr. They later became the proud parents of five children. Together they made many sacrifices to raise their children based on love, commitment, and Christian values. She encouraged her children to always pray and obtain an education.

She was a soul food “boiling pots” cooking type of woman. Her peach cobbler was an all-time favorite and her homemade chocolate chip cookies were her prized staple. As a gifted cook, she worked for the Embassy Hotel and the DoubleTree Hotel for several years. At the DoubleTree, her chocolate chip cookies were a specialty for guest of the hotel.

She later married Frank Martin and united with Greater Paradise Baptist Church in Little Rock where she served on the committee for new members, as a choir member and lead shouter. She loved the Lord and worshiped Him with all of her strength and heart. She enjoyed the music of Mahalia Jackson and Aretha Franklin and at the age of 40 she learned how to play the piano.

Those she touched and those who knew her witnessed her untiring love for God. She was a believer in “treating others, as you would have them to treat you”.

She was preceded in transition by her mother, Inez; her husband, and two sons, Eddie L. Tank, Jr. (April 12, 2020) and Andre D. Tank (August 21, 2021). She traded time for eternity on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at The Waters in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

She leaves to honor and celebrate her life’s journey: her children, Rev. Donnie (Gwen) Tank of Sparkman, AR, Roderick Tank of Lompoc, CA and Sharon Tank of San Antonio, TX; twelve grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and one brother, Theotis Evans. She also leaves her daughter-in-law, Wadie Tank of Mabelvale, AR, a special sister-in-law, Annie Morgan, a close friend Mrs. Glover and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Public visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at Williams Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 2, 2021 at Centrepoint Cemetery in Sparkman, Arkansas.