Lynette Martinson bio
Lynette Claridge was born in Houston, Texas, on August 19, 1971. She is the youngest of four sisters. Her father worked as a foreman in corporate construction until his retirement, while her mother stayed home to take care of the family.
When Lynette was ten, her father had to take a leave of absence from work to undergo back surgery. With huge hospital bills and no income, Lynette's family was on the verge of poverty. Their church's youth pastor and his wife invited Lynette and her sisters to their home nearly every evening for meals and offered their mother a part-time job at the church to make ends meet. Their generosity cemented Lynette's devotion to her faith and the church from that time forward.
Although she came from modest means, Lynette was determined to be the first in her family to attend college. Her passion for nursing developed early on as she helped care for her father, who suffered from chronic pain due to the physically demanding nature of his work.
In high school, Lynette distinguished herself in both academics and extracurriculars, hard work that earned her a full-ride college scholarship. She attended the University of Texas School of Health Sciences, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing.
During her junior year summer rotation at a local hospital, Lynette met Wendell Martinson, a volunteer and aspiring medical school student whose shifts coincided with hers. They began dating and eventually married. Instead of a honeymoon, the couple embarked on a two-year mission trip to South America.
When they returned to the U.S., the Martinsons moved to Oxford, where Wendell became pastor of the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit Church, and Lynette worked as a nurse at Baptist Memorial Hospital. She and Wendell had two sons, Emanuel and David, both now teenagers.
Like her husband, Lynette dedicated her life to serving the Oxford community. She actively participated in the church, volunteered for local charities, and hosted bible study groups at her home. She also enjoys cooking, gardening, and playing bridge with other women from the church.
Since her husband's shocking murder, Lynette has cut back on her church and community activities. She also retired from her position at the hospital. She took a part-time job at the Yoknapatawpha Acres Nursing Home so she could spend more time with her sons as they all struggle through the grieving process.
Lynette had stepped outside for some air when she found her co-worker Jerry Shaw dead in the delivery area behind the nursing home.
