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All three of her children brought her tremendous joy, and she worked tirelessly to ensure they had everything they needed and many of the things they wanted.

Gaye Valerie Martin (Jacoway) was born on September 6, 1959, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Mayetta Walker. She was preceded in death by her brother, Darryl Jacoway of Seattle, Washington. Gaye spent her childhood and school years in the Kansas City School District and graduated from Paseo High School with the Class of 1977. She remained deeply connected to her classmates throughout her life and was instrumental in organizing class events and reunions. At the time of her passing, she was serving on the planning committee for what would have been her upcoming 50th high school reunion. After high school, Gaye attended Central Missouri State University (now the University of Central Missouri). It was there, in 1978, that she met Frederick Martin. Although she was not initially impressed by the goofy young man who would later become her husband, Frederick's persistence eventually won her over when he invited her to the Beat Bop Ball. Gaye joined Frederick in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri and married on August 18, 1979.

Shortly after marrying, they welcomed their only son, Jahmel La'ron Martin, on July 6, 1980. During those early years, they created countless memories together and filled photo albums with the adventures of their growing family. In the fall of 1988, Gaye received the unexpected news that she was five months pregnant. With little time to prepare, she and Frederick joyfully welcomed their oldest daughter, Jacynda Michelle Martin (Mosley), on February 23, 1989. They decided to keep the fun going and just sixteen months later, on June 16, 1990, they were blessed once again with the arrival of their youngest child, Jaleisa Renee Martin. All three of her children brought her tremendous joy, and she worked tirelessly to ensure they had everything they needed and many of the things they wanted.

In 1981, after returning to Kansas City, Gaye began what would become a distinguished 38-year career with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, where she worked as an Investigator. She traveled throughout the United States, ensuring educational institutions complied with civil rights and accessibility laws and advocating for the fair and equal treatment of students and employees. Her dedication to serving others remained constant throughout her career until her retirement in July 2019.

After retiring in July 2019, Gaye quickly discovered that retirement was not for her. To stay active—and perhaps avoid becoming a full-time babysitter to Mason—she accepted a part-time working making delicious cakes for Big Momma's Bakery-Cafe. She could often be found making countless trips to Walmart, Price Chopper, Sam's Club, and Restaurant Depot, gathering ingredients for cakes, dinners, and special events. Whether serving her family, church, or community, Gaye found joy in cooking and caring for others. That same year, Gaye celebrated two major milestones: her retirement and her 60th birthday. Never one to be subtle, she dropped plenty of hints about wanting a grand celebration. In September 2019, family and friends gathered to honor both occasions with an unforgettable Great Gatsby-themed party filled with laughter, dancing and treasured memories.

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Whether serving her family, church, or community, Gaye found joy in cooking and caring for others.

Her commitment to service extended beyond her professional life, which led Gaye to join Linwood Seventh-day Adventist Church where she immediately became actively involved in ministry. Over the years, she served as Temperance Leader, worked with Pathfinders—even though she was famously afraid of bugs—sang in the Linwood Choir, participated on the Praise Team, and later became the Hospitality Team Leader. She was also an active member of United Christian Women Group A and Hands in Praise Sign Language Ministry.

Inspired by her growing love for American Sign Language, Gaye decided to further her education. She attended Maple Woods Community College and proudly graduated on May 21, 2004. Her passion for ASL led her to become heavily involved in sign language ministry, and when Hands in Praise "retired", she founded a children's sign language group called Precious Hands, sharing her talents with a new generation. Children always seemed naturally drawn to Gaye, and she welcomed them wholeheartedly. Whether it was her own children, nieces and nephews, church youth, or neighborhood kids, she loved having young people around. Her commitment to creating joy led her to invest in a popcorn machine, sno-cone machine, and cotton candy machine, which she happily shared whenever the opportunity arose. True to her generous spirit, she never expected payment—seeing others smile was a reward.

Gaye had a passion for community outreach, Health Education and Christian Education. She helped organize health fairs at Linwood and assisted other churches in developing similar programs. She was also known for involving her children in countless church fundraisers, often loading them into the van at wee hours of the night to help deliver fruit sold through Golden Harvest. Gaye loved traveling, dancing, and singing along to Michael Jackson and Frankie Beverly classics, and spending time with her family. She shared a very special bond with her granddaughter, Jaliyah, who eagerly looked forward to spending entire days running errands with her "Nonnie," hoping those adventures would end with a sandwich from Big Momma's. She also cherished her time with her grandson, Mason, watching Dhar Mann videos and taking him, his cousin and neighborhood friends on outings throughout the city.

Those who knew Gaye will never forget her infectious smile, her unmistakable laugh, or her legendary sneeze that could startle even those who had heard it countless times before. She had a servant's heart, a generous spirit, and a gift for making everyone feel loved and welcomed.

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She had a servant's heart, a generous spirit, and a gift for making everyone feel loved and welcomed.

On June 15, 2026, our lives were changed forever when Gaye suddenly became I'll. And on June 27, 2026, Gaye took her rest leaving behind a legacy built on service, forgiveness, grace, faith, and unconditional love.

From her passing, Gaye leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 46 years, Frederick Martin; her children, Jahmel Martin, Jacynda (Matthew) Mosley, and Jaleisa Martin; her beloved grandchildren, Jaliyah and Mason Mosley; her mother, Mayetta Walker; her siblings, Fred Steens, Gregory Jacoway, Benita Jacoway, Michelle Pinkerton, and Laetta Walker; her special aunt, Joyce Jacoway; and her nephew and bonus son, Deron Jacoway and God daughter, Dessirae James. She also leaves behind a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews cousins, friends and church family, whose lives were touched by her kindness and generosity.

Gaye will be deeply missed today, tomorrow, and forever. Though her presence is no longer with us, the example she set through her life of faith, service, and love will continue to inspire generations to come.