Frances Joan Barber Martin Bartlett

Funeral services celebrating the life of Mrs. Frances Joan Barber Martin Bartlett will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home, with Dr. Nathan Barber officiating. Interment rites will follow at Meridian Memorial Park. The family will receive guests from 12:00 until 12:45 prior to the service at the funeral home. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Frances Joan Barber Martin Bartlett of Meridian, MS, peacefully passed away to be with her Lord on December 25, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Chunky, MS, on May 8, 1938, to Alonzo Barber and Josie Laura Giles. She was a graduate of Meridian High School and shortly afterwards, met and married the love of her life, Calvin Martin at Southside Baptist Church (now Central Baptist Church) where they continued to attend throughout their marriage. Because of their faith and church community, they lived keeping Christ first in all areas of their life. Joan and Calvin were inseparable, being blessed with 52 years of marriage.

Early in her childhood it was evident that Joan exhibited a passion for learning, serving and care for others. She was a tremendous blessing to so many and left an incredible footprint of faith, love and compassion in all that she did. Throughout her life she was active in the community and served as Executive Director for the Salvation Army, was a part-time school teacher, as well as a Sunday School and vacation Bible School teacher. Next to serving her Lord, the most important part of Joan's life was loving and supporting Calvin personally and professionally. After his retirement from Southern Pipe and Supply, together they embarked on a number of business ventures. She was also a member of the Meridian Area Coin Club. Joan was beautiful and talented in every way. She was always optimistic and encouraged others to always see the glass as half-full.

Later in life, she married Albert Bartlett, and they enjoyed serving their church together and traveling. Their adventures included cruises, traveling to Hawaii, and doing mission work in Macedonia.

Joan is survived by her two children William Mark Martin and Jo Ellen Martin; three grandchildren Dr. Brock Martin (Melissa), Alex Martin (Blakely), and Allison Brown (Chris); three great grandchildren; two brothers, Dr Nathan L. Barber (Pat) of Hattiesburg, and Billy Barber (Sandra) of Collinsville; she is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Dementia Society of America.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.robertbarhamffh.com.