Joan "Jody" Elizabeth Newsom

In Loving Memory of Joan “Jody” Newsom

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we remember Joan “Jody” Newsom, beloved mother, daughter, sister, friend, and faithful servant of God, who passed away July 7, 2025. She was 49 years young.

Jody was a woman of extraordinary strength, compassion, and unwavering faith. To her family and closest friends, she was simply “Jody”, a name that carried warmth, laughter, and unconditional love. She was a devoted mother to three children, Isaiah, Darby, and Samuel Martinez, who were the very center of her world. Her love for them was fierce and selfless, and she balanced the joys and challenges of motherhood with grace, grit, and an unshakable sense of purpose.

Professionally, Jody served the State of Indiana as a Human Resources professional, where she was known for her integrity, empathy, and tireless advocacy. Her colleagues admired her as a thoughtful listener and a steady presence in times of uncertainty. Never one to stop growing, Jody was pursuing her master’s degree at Indiana Wesleyan University, a testament to her belief in lifelong learning and personal growth.

Jody’s life was anchored in her deep faith in God. She was saved and lived her life as a reflection of that faith, offering kindness, forgiveness, and hope to those around her. Even in the face of profound sorrow, including the devastating loss of both her beloved parents within three weeks of each other, Jody remained a pillar of strength. Her belief in eternal reunion gave her comfort and gave others courage.

Jody found joy in the simple and beautiful things, music that stirred the soul, meals lovingly prepared, and photographs that captured fleeting moments. She excelled in all of them, and her creativity and warmth touched everyone who knew her.

Jody is preceded in death by her loving parents, Gloria, and Gary Shirley (stepfather), her grandparents, Warren and Pauline Cogswell. She is survived by her children, Isaiah Martinez (wife Erin), Darby Martinez, and Samuel Martinez; her cherished grandson, Thomas James Martinez; her sister, Heather Newsom (fiancée Jeremy Ivey);and her ex-husband and the father of her children, Miguel Martinez (wife Crystal) and unofficially adopted father, Fred Ivey.

Share picture memories of Jody to be part of her tribute video here: https://www.tributeslides.com/up/14438345760812