Irene Martin

Irene Burnham Martin

June 19, 1936 – January 24, 2026

Our beloved Irene Martin of Forest, Mississippi,  went to be with the Lord at the age of 89, on January 24, 2026.

Irene was born in the early hours of June 19, 1936 in Pleasant Valley, her family’s long-time home near the Steele community. She was the seventh of eight children. Irene was a precocious child and learned to read at only four years old. Her God-given musical talent was evident right from the start, as she began playing piano at the age of five in church before her feet could even reach the pedals.

After graduating from Harperville School as valedictorian, Irene began her professional music career in New Orleans, playing piano as the headline performer at the Roosevelt Hotel. She became so popular that when famous talent was staying or performing nearby, it was common for them to stop by and give an impromptu performance with Irene. During her time in New Orleans, she met a very talented staff musician working at the WWL radio station who matched her beat for beat. His name was Joe Martin, and they were married for 53 wonderful years.

One of Irene’s many jobs was as the official pianist for the Mississippi Baptist Convention. For many years, she traveled to Baptist convention events around the country, and sometimes even outside the country. She considered spreading the love of God through her musical gifts to be a type of ministry for her. She also loved to travel, as was evident by the wide assortment of visa stamps from countries all over the world. From Japan to Isarel, and throughout many other countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia, Irene traveled for the Baptist association and played to thousands of admiring crowds at various church events. While on one of her trips to Israel, she even had the honor of playing a Christmas morning service in Bethlehem.

Many will remember her as a piano and vocal teacher. She taught hundreds of students over the years and played for many local churches in the central Mississippi area. Once, while giving a concert, she was asked if she had retired yet. She said, “I’m only 85, so I’ve cut back my number of students to 20 this year, but I can still handle playing for two separate church services on Sunday”.

It’s hard for one to think of Irene outside of her musical gifts, but if there was one thing that she loved more than her music, it was her family. She fiercely loved her family and would do anything to protect those she held dear.

She is preceded in death by her husband Joe Martin; Father, John Raymond Burnham, Sr. and her mother Fannie Ruth Woods Burnham; Siblings: Roy Burnham, Doris Gallaspy, Helga Watson, Reba Jackson, Nancy Freeman, John Burnham Jr., and Jackie Noel.

She is survived by son Steve Martin (Karon), two grandchildren Russell Martin (Mary) and Tara Whittington (Zac) and two great-grandson’s Russell Paul Martin Jr. and Robert Patrick Martin.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Harperville Baptist Church, with funeral services immediately following the visitation. Her final resting place will be in the Harperville Memorial Park.

Although our hearts are heavy, we have cause to celebrate because Irene is once again re-united with her beloved family in heaven.

In Lieu of flowers the family requests that any memorials be made to the Forest Community Arts, 124 Pine Hill Drive, Forest, MS. 39074.

Ott and Lee of Forest is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.