Martha V. Maynard

Martha V. Maynard

Lansing - Martha Virginia Maynard, 94, Lansing resident, educator for thirty-five years, passed away on Sunday morning, August 29, 2021.

Born and raised in northwest Tennessee, Mrs. Maynard always wanted to be a teacher like her mother and grandmother. After graduating from Murray State College, she taught elementary school in Rolla, Missouri, for three years before moving north to Lansing.

She began her eighteen years as an elementary school teacher with her first assignment at Thomas Street School (which later became C. W. Otto), then at Gier Park and Kendon.

Mrs. Maynard earned her Master's Degree from Michigan State University, and in 1969 she was named principal at Genesee Street School, serving later at Holmes Street and Elmhurst Elementary Schools. In 1980 she became principal at Kendon, her last assignment. Mrs. Maynard retired in 1984 having served fourteen years as elementary school principal and thirty-two years of service in the Lansing School District. She is characterized by former students and staff alike as 'firm but fair.'

Her accomplishments over the years include being the recipient of the first Joe Velanti Award for outstanding professional service to the Lansing Schools Education Association, outstanding principal of Region 8 of Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principal's Association, and President of the Lansing Association of School Administrators.

Mrs. Maynard was a charter member (1956) and past President of the Gamma (Mid-Michigan) Chapter of the teacher's sorority Alpha Delta Kappa. She leaves behind many who remember her for her contributions to the teaching profession.

She was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ, attending locally at the Holmes Road Church of Christ. In retirement, Mrs. Maynard volunteered for church activities, Meals on Wheels and at the Chi Medical Library. She also loved to travel and devoted much of her time traveling the U.S. and all over the world.

Mrs. Maynard was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother. She liked people and loved to be active and social. She has many friends and family who will miss her laughter and lively spirit.

Mrs. Maynard's enduring wish for the world is that all adults do all they can to ensure all children get a good education.

She was preceded in death by her husband of forty-three years, Jack (1995), brother Macy Summers and sister Sue (Summers) Blackley. She is survived by sons Terry and Sam (Sharon) and granddaughters Dr. Abigail Maynard and Dr. Elise Maynard.

No services will be held at this time.

Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels.