Deanna Jayne Williams

Deanna Jayne Williams, beloved wife of the late Thomas Joseph “Joe” Martin, entered into rest on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at her residence.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, in the Belair Road Chapel of Platt’s Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held at a later date.

Deanna was born in 1945 at her Aunt Pearl’s home in Richland, Camden County, Missouri. She was one of several children born to Harold Williams and the former Blanche Yadon.

When Deanna was about four years old, she was playing near an old potbelly stove when a spark flew out and caught her pants leg on fire. If it had not been for the quick thinking of her older sister, Bonnie, who smothered the flames, Deanna might not have survived. About a year later, Deanna ran into a busy street to greet her father and was struck by a car. Everyone rushed to see if she was alright, but she crawled out from beneath the car, ran away, and climbed the nearest tree, seemingly unharmed.

In February 1967, Deanna decided to join the Army, a decision that caused some disagreement within the family. Nevertheless, she enlisted and served for three years before leaving the military. Eighteen months later, she reenlisted and remained in the Army until her retirement, completing a total of 21 years and 2 months of service. She was the first woman in her family to join the military. Deanna and her twin brother often filled what might be considered traditional gender roles in reverse, long before it became common. Her military career took her to many places, including two assignments in Illinois, one in the state of Washington, one in Washington, D.C., overseas assignments in Belgium and Germany, and one assignment in Arizona.

On August 9, 1986, in Sierra Vista, Cochise County, Arizona, Deanna married Thomas Joseph “Joe” Martin, whom she had met while stationed at SHAPE Headquarters in Belgium.

Joe was born on October 14, 1940, in County Limerick, Ireland, to Percy James Martin and Margaret Mary Cunningham. He became a British citizen in order to serve in the Royal Air Force. After retiring, he moved to the United States, where he and Deanna were married.

In March 1990, Deanna and Joe left Arizona and made their home in Augusta, Georgia, where they shared 26 happy years together until Joe’s passing in 2012.

Deanna cherished her family more than anything. Her nephew, Shawn (Teresa) Birong, and their children were her only family that lived close to her in Augusta, GA. Though all family were equal in her heart, Shawn and Teresa took great care of Deanna, especially in her final days. Deanna is survived by numerous other nephews and nieces.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Deanna’s memory to Helping Hands Hospice.

Arrangements were entrusted to Platt's Funeral Home, 337 N. Belair Road, Evans, GA 30809 (706) 860-6166. Please take a moment to share your condolences by signing the online guestbook at plattsfuneralhome.com.