Martha W. Sinclair
Born on December 21, 1933 in Florala, AlabamaPassed February 1, 2025 in Melbourne, Florida
Martha Gwendolyn Webb Sinclair passed away peacefully at her Melbourne, FL, home with her daughters, Shellie and Sherrie, by her bedside on February 1, 2025. She will be remembered as a faithful Christian, devoted daughter of Frederick E. Webb and Vonnie Simmons Webb, sister to Sara Webb Lucas, wife to Jack Arend Sinclair, mother to her twin daughters, and as an outstanding member of the community.
Martha was born in Florala, AL, on December 21, 1933, and her family moved to Lakeland, FL, when she was a teenager. She attended Lakeland High School and met Jack. After graduation she was accepted to the University of Florida, earning Bachelors and Masters degrees in journalism with minors in history and education and was graduated with honors. In 1956 she received the University Alumni Award as the outstanding woman graduate based on leadership, scholarship, and service to the University. She served as president of Theta Sigma Phi honorary society for women in journalism; served as president of Trianon, the local chapter of Mortar Board, and was elected to the UF Hall of Fame among other distinguished Floridians. She was also a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
Martha was blessed with the ability to teach and mentor, using her leadership skills and creativity. Her lifelong career as an Educator encompassed many facets at different institutions including her first position at Georgia State College in Atlanta where she served as Assistant Director of Public Relations and taught freshman English and beginning journalism. After marriage to Jack and returning to Florida, she taught courses for Early Childhood Certification and freshman English as Adjunct Professor at Rollins College PAFB Branch; taught at Surfside Preschool; served as teacher, pre-school director, curriculum coordinator, Assistant Head and Head of Holy Trinity Episcopal School; Director of Education at Community Psychiatric Center Palm Bay Hospital, and teacher, curriculum coordinator and principal at The Devereux School. Martha joined the Brevard County School system in 1994 and completed her career as an educator after teaching in the Exceptional Student Education Department until her retirement at the age of 78.
Her beauty was inside and out, and she was loved for her great personality. She possessed a witty sense of humor, was always ready for adventures just like Winnie-the-Pooh and Mary Poppins, and had many friends of all ages.
In addition to her family and career she found time for community service and was involved with the Melbourne Alumnae Panhellenic chapter and was an active member of The Junior League of South Brevard, eventually becoming a sustaining member in both. She was sponsored and inducted into membership of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for key women educators. Travels with her family across the nation and worldwide, shopping—especially for shoes, and wine dinners at the Green Turtle, along with a love of reading, music and cooking brought her joy.
Her philanthropic endeavors included financial support and many volunteer hours. She contributed to the Arts in Brevard County including the Brevard Symphony Orchestra and the former Foosaner Art Museum, as a donor and docent. Through the Junior League, Martha was a founding member of The Haven for Children, its Guild and Thrift Shoppe. She was known as the “Chicken Lady” when she brought monthly meals of Publix fried chicken to The Haven children homes. She also enjoyed membership with The Brevard Zoo and attending Jazzoo fundraisers. Martha was involved with the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery organizations as a member of the Cape Canaveral Ladies and parliamentarian for the Cemetery Support Committee. In 2016 she was a finalist for Florida Today’s Volunteer Recognition Awards. She was a tithing member of Hope Lutheran Church and the former Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.
She is survived by her twins, Shellie S. Evers (Lamar) and Sherrie H. Sinclair; sister, Sara Lucas (Daniel); niece, Elisabeth Rickards (John) and nephew, Scott Lucas (Christina) along with their respective children. Although she will be dearly missed, we rejoice and praise God knowing she is restored to her full glory in Heaven.
In lieu of flowers please honor Martha’s memory with donations to these organizations which were close to her heart:
Brevard Symphony Orchestra
P O Box 361965
Melbourne, FL 32936
The Haven for Children, Inc.
P O Box 327
Melbourne, FL 32902-0327
Support Committee at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery
P.O. Box 554
Mims, FL 32754