Vivian Ann Martinez

Vivian Ann Sowders Martinez, 72, passed away February 20, 2022, at Baylor, Scott, and White Hillcrest Medical Center in Waco. Services will take place at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 23 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home with Pastor Stephen Stanford officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 22. Born and raised in Waco, Vivian attended University High School and was a majorette. She was married to Joe Martinez in 1989. She spent years working in the banking and auto industry in Fort Worth. She returned to Waco and retired from B&B Athletics. She was a member of Cottonwood Baptist Church in Lorena. Vivian never met a stranger and loved meeting new people. She had a vivacious personality, a beautiful smile, and an energy and spirit felt by anyone blessed to be in her presence. She loved to cook, sew, and shop. Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin Sowders and Martha Ann Fort Justice; brother, James Sowders; daughter, Leigh Ann Patterson; and stepdaughter, Marissa Martinez. She is survived by her husband, Joe Martinez of Waco; son, Jim Patterson and wife, Shelly, of Lorena; son, Matthew Patterson and husband, Tony Brown, of Woodway; sons, John Martinez, and Joe Martinez, both of Waco; stepdaughter, Claudine Calton and husband, Gary, of Ft. Worth; grandchildren, Nicole Patterson, Blake Patterson, Rebecca Patterson, Chon Calton, Christian Calton, and Jace Brown; great-grandchildren, Karson and Camilla; sisters, Debbie Page and Rayelene Gaskin; brother Buddy Sowders; and her beloved dog, Rocky. Pallbearers will be John Martinez, Joe Martinez, Blake Patterson, Chon Calton, Christian Calton, and Manuel Campos. The family would like to thank the physicians and nursing staff in the ICU at Hillcrest for their care and compassion. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.