WILMINGTON — Barbara Jean Martin passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026, in Wilmington, North Carolina. She was born on December 18, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois to Wells Martin, Jr. and Jean Mullins Martin.
After graduating from Homewood Flossmoor High School, Flossmoor, Illinois in 1965, Barbara earned a degree in Home Economics from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. She began her professional career in corporate advertising at Kraft Foods in Chicago, before attending business school at Indiana University. Barbara later entered the energy sector, taking a position at Jet Oil Company, a Chicago based energy company.
Barbara was a proud member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Pi Beta Phi sorority and The Landfall Club in Wilmington. After living in southern Florida for many years, she moved to North Carolina. In recent years she made her home at Carolina Bay in Wilmington, where she formed meaningful relationships with friends, neighbors and staff who came to know her for her warmth, kindness and genuine interest in others.
Barbara is survived by her devoted siblings: Nancy Martin, Wells Martin III, Ellie Martin Deets, and Pat Martin Nordbrock. She was a beloved aunt to 11 nieces and nephews and a cherished grand-aunt to 19 grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Lovingly known by her family as “Aunt Barbie”, she was truly an aunt extraordinaire and delighted in being the eldest of what her extended family affectionately called “The Martin Team”! Each summer she traveled to attend the annual family reunion and spend time with friends at Wausaukee Club in Athelstane, Wisconsin.
Those wishing to honor Barbara’s memory may make gifts to any of the following organizations whose work she valued and supported: The P.E.O. Foundation, Chapter BW, NC, The Wausaukee Club Charitable Foundation c/o Wausaukee Club, or The Karen Beaseley Sea Turtle Rescue.
A reception celebrating Barbara’s life will be held at Carolina Bay, 630 Carolina Bay Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403. More details will be posted soon.
