Josephine Martin

Josephine Martin was born on March 14, 1942 child #4 of 21 in Marvell, Arkansas to Joseph and Corrine Gage. She spent most of her life in Marvell and in 1954 she accepted Jesus as her Lord and personal Savior at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Gumbottom, Arkansas.

In 1961 she met and married W.C. Novel and to this union was born five beautiful daughters. In 1962 the couple moved to Bakersfield, California to live and raise their family.

Later in life she married the late Reverend Elijah Webber and remained by his side until his untimely death 2007.

Some years later she reunited with her high school sweetheart, Stanford Martin. They married and lived together happily until his death in 2014.

Josephine was a spectacular cook and began cooking professionally over 40 year ago when she opened her first restaurant called the Lakeview Inn. The business was such a success that she expanded and renamed the business" Walt's" after her brother, Walter.

Josephine's love of cooking and for the Bakersfield community was often demonstrated in her character and her business. She was not only a nourishing mother and a trusted friend, she also cared for and feed homeless individuals. She could be found caring for the sick and shut-in on many occasions. She has even gone so far as to take the sick and injured into her own home and nurse them back to health. She would feed anyone or anything who was hungry even if you did not have money. She once found a homeless sick puppy and nourished it back to health. The community reciprocated her love by showering her with many awards and was once honored in the Bakersfield California newspaper.

She was not only a wonderful cook but she was also an accomplished seamstress and knew how to dress. When she stepped out, she would jokingly say things like "I cut a few folks today. I left a few band aids in the building." Meaning that she was sharp and she knew it.

Josephine had a playful sense of humor always being able to laugh at her own self but one thing that was seriously and deeply embedded inside of her, and that was her love and dedication for her Father in Heaven and His son Jesus. She was truly a woman of God. She demonstrated that in every area of her life. Her life was as transparent as it was inspiring. She worked diligently in the church, dutifully with her husband and children, loving and respectfully to neighbors and friends, and fair and honest in her business.

Josephine is proceeded in death by her husband Stanford Martin, Rev. Elijah Webber, and W.C Novel. Her parents, Joseph and Corrine Gage, one sister, Ophelia Collins, four brothers, Anthony, James, Joseph, and Moses Gage.

She leaves to cherish her memory five daughters: Damita Novel, Gilda (Mark) Carter, Patricia (Earl) Stocker, Carrie and Tamekia Novel.Special daughter and Son Wayne and Phyliss Robinson . One foster daughter, Ruby Almaguer and son Donnell Davis. Stepchildren: Vonner Ford, Jackie Brown, Angela Davis, Elijah Webber Jr., Steven and Derrick Webber. 13 grandchildren Capricia(Deon)Ellis, Stardelia Hurd,Erica (Martel) Carter, Jason(Shalenia) Carter, Mark( Jenatte) Carter, Markeisha and Audrey Carter, Wc Novel, Joseph Bailey, Courtney Irvings,Destiny Stocker, Josiah Watson 12 great-grandchildren, 7 sisters Ferry(James) Williams, Arnetta Simpkins, Brenda(Tony) Duckworth, Linda Gage, Marvie Davis, Carol Cooper, Kathy Porchia, 5 brothers: Johnnie Lee, Derrick(Rosie) Gage, Donald Ray, Walter, and Arvell Gage. Special Friend Glory Rae, Willie Steel. A host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

She leaves us a legacy of loving and giving. This Woman of God, was the best cook on this side of Heaven. She will never be forgotten.

We love and thank you all for the love and support. Whatever you contributed, has not gone unnoticed

A Special thanks to Carla Davis and Jerome Simpkins. Words cannot express the love and appreciation that we feel for you.

The Family of Josephine Martin.