Ovida Martin

Ovida Dell Martin (Born May 15th 1940 Died July 25th, 2024) Ovida Martin was the retired President of MarTek Systems, Inc., based in Bridgeville Delaware, and was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years James A. Martin, co-creator of MarTek. "Vida", as she was known to her friends and family, led a long, fulfilled life of service and hard work and was a faithful and devoted mother and wife. She passed away at 84 years of age in Ocala, Florida in Brookdale Canopy Oaks from complications of Dementia. Vida was a staunch advocate and volunteer for issues related to children who were in vulnerable situations. She was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on May 15th, 1940 to William G. W. Brooks Sr. and Daisy Elgin Brooks. A part of a large family with 3 sisters and 2 brothers, Vida contracted life threatening spinal meningitis as a child, which she overcame learning to walk and speak again at a young age. She, like her mother, was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Her early career was honing her profession as a Master Cosmetologist for which she was well-known for providing brilliant hairstyles for nearly 20 years. Vida later married James Martin of Delaware, with whom she prospered in business and life until his death in 2019. Vida lived a life of service, at one point graduating from the Police Academy, making her the first fully certified gun-toting Police Woman in the State of Florida, and then serving as an officer in Williston, Florida for several years, before returning to her career doing hair. Vida loved working with youth, serving as a Volunteer Organizational 4-H Leader of the "Williston GreenClovers" 4-H club for over 15 years. Furthering her advocacy for youth in crisis she served at the pleasure of former Florida Governor Bob Graham as a Guardian Ad Litem and on state and national panels in the advocacy of children in the legal system, fighting child abuse in its many forms. Vida interacted with many notable childrens rights advocates including current President Joe Biden, US Senators, Governors, and famous celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Dave Thomas, and Tyler Perry. Vida had 5 siblings and is preceded in death by her sister Joe Bell Stansel, and brother William G. W. Brooks Jr. Ovida is survived by sisters Lila Johnson and Debbie Crews, sister-in-law Donna Brooks, and brother David Brooks. Ovida is also survived by her two children, Karen L. Mack (Rob Vause) and Gary A. Mack (Nan). Vida has 6 Grandchildren, Megan Edwards (Taylor), Jared, Emily, and Zachary Davis, Robert Mack (Ashley) and Stephanie Mack. She has two great-grandsons, Oliver and Owen Mack. A devoted disciple of Christ, Vida was most recently a member of the Welcome Congregational Holiness Church, pastored by her nephew Lance Crews. Funeral arrangements will be handled by Knauff Funeral Home in Williston, Florida. Services will be held on Thursday, August 1st at 11:00 AM, and Vida will be laid to rest in Orange Hill Cemetery in Williston, Florida shortly thereafter at 12:00 PM. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Welcome Congregational Holiness Church at 3315 216th Street, Lake City, FL 32024 or via their website at welcomechurchfl.com. Funeral Service Thursday, August 1, 2024 11:00 AM Knauff Funeral Home - Williston 512 E Noble Ave Williston, FL 32696