Joanna "Jay Jay" Martin

Jay Jay (Joanna) Martin, 46 of Lake City, died on Monday July 13, 2026, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by the love of her children, and close friends.

Jay Jay graduated from Girard High School, in the Class of 1998. She worked in Supply Chain management at Fastenal in Erie, PA. She was the kind of person that could find commonality with everyone she met. Her infectious laugh filled a room, no matter the size. She had a sharp wit, and she never hesitated to say exactly what was on her mind. She was unapologetically herself—a lover of books (especially those authored by Anne Rice), quirky thrifted treasures, tie-dye t-shirts, mushrooms, cacti, and the simple joys of life. Every pet she ever loved bore the name of a Harry Potter character. She also held a special place in her heart for purple martins, a fitting coincidence given they shared her last name and favorite color. The beach was one of Jay Jay’s happiest places. Her children grew up making treasured memories beside her searching for beach glass on the shores of Lake Erie.

Jay Jay was a friend to many. She never hesitated to offer a helping hand, a listening ear, or words of encouragement when someone needed them most. Though she carried a youthful spirit throughout her life, nothing meant more to her than her children. She loved them fiercely and wholeheartedly, and they remained the greatest joy and proudest accomplishment of her life. Independent, authentic, and fearless in being exactly who she was, Jay Jay encouraged her children to embrace those same qualities. She taught them to think for themselves, to be unapologetically genuine, and to find confidence in their own individuality.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Anne L. Wylie; and her maternal grandparents, Howard and Evelyn Wylie.

She will be remembered fondly by the innumerable friends she made throughout her life. She will be deeply missed by her children, her daughters, Carson Brown and Avreigh Brown (Joe Dombrowski); and her son, Liam Brown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Purple Martin Conservation Association, to ensure the birds she loved so much continue to have a home in Erie, PA.

A Celebration of Life will be held at American Legion Park (432 Noble Rd, Girard, PA 16417), on Sunday, July 26th from 12:00 to 4:00 pm, where family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, laugh loudly, and celebrate Jay Jay.

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