Nancy Lee Martin (61) of Effingham

Nancy Lee Martin, age 61, died of natural causes following a brief illness on Tuesday, 22 December 2020, at home in Effingham, IL.

Nancy was born on 4 December 1959 in Fort Campbell, KY the daughter of Alice Elizabeth (Nickle) Martin and William Collier Martin, Sr. and was extremely proud of being an “Army Brat.” She was a staunch supporter of her many family members who served in the military. She graduated from high school in Aurora, CO and after moving with her family to Pensacola, FL, trained as a unit clerk for hospital settings. She worked as a unit clerk in both the operating room and the pre-admission testing center at West Florida Hospital. Following the destruction of her residence by Hurricane Ivan, Nancy moved to Effingham, IL in 2006, residing on Marguerite Lane at Lake Pauline for 12 years.

As a young adult, Nancy was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, a chronic neuromuscular and autoimmune disorder and valiantly fought that disease and its complications for over 43 years. She was very active in providing support to others with Myasthenia Gravis, initiating and managing several sites and blogs related to the disease.

Nancy was vivacious and always the “life of the party.” She had an exuberance for life that is rarely seen. In spite of surviving a devastating illness for many years, she had an unbeatable spirit and zest for making the best of life and a positive attitude that was contagious. Her family and friends are heartbroken but will rely on so many wonderful memories of her and her famous humor to support them in this time of grief.

Ms. Martin is survived by her sister, Mary Anne (Martin) Tomson, husband Alan, of Davis, WV; her sister, Patricia Jean (Martin) Purcell, husband Gerald, of Effingham, IL; her brother, William Collier Martin, Jr., wife Vivian, of Ft. Mill, SC; her beloved companion, a miniature schnauzer named Mozart; and stepmother, Carol Martin of Effingham.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

A funeral will be scheduled next year as COVID allows and interment will occur at the family cemetery in Atlanta, GA. If desired, donations may be sent to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America. Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.