‘Pure holiness’: Sudan 19-year-old remembered as light in community

LUBBOCK, Texas — After 19-year-old Elaine Maribel Martinez passed away following a crash in Hockley County, her loved ones on Thursday remembered her as a “light” who loved Jesus and had a heart of pure gold.

Donations for the family can be made to the First United Bank in Sudan under the Elaine Maribel Martinez Memorial Fund. Donations can be made over the phone if First United is your bank.

On Wednesday, the Texas Department of Public Safety said Martinez was pronounced dead after a crash on U.S. 385 and FM 597. She was traveling in the southbound lanes when a truck coming from the other direction veered over and struck her car.

Elaine’s sister, Yahaira Martinez told Everythinglubbock.com her sister started her morning with a scripture.

“Every morning she would wake up and she would play her worship music and she would read her daily devotional and journal every morning and every night she would pray,” Yahaira said.

The morning of the crash, Yahaira said Elaine journaled a scripture that their family will remember forever, but especially right now.

“Do not be afraid, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will hold on to you with many righteous right hands Isaiah 41:10 and then in her own words, she put the Lord is training us in steadfastness, too many things interrupt your awareness of him in all circumstances, no matter what happens, we must be aware that God is with us,” Yahaira said.

Yahaira said her sister loved praying for others and helping them understand the word of the lord, even writing scriptures on boards around school. She wants her sister’s testimony to live on, and trusts her message that everything happens for a reason.

“Her just leaving this message for us just makes our family just remember that just to trust in him [God],” Yahaira said.

Elaine’s mother, Esmeralda, said they are thankful for the support from everyone who has reached out and continues to ask for prayers.

Another witness to Elaine’s testimony, is her former basketball and track coach, Benny Lockhart.

“One thing about Elaine is that this past year, Elaine became a Christian, We know where she is,” Lockhart said. “Just watching her grow this past year has been fantastic and there’s no telling what Elaine would’ve done.”

Lockhart said the entire town knew Elaine and her family and would support them during this time.

“This whole town feels it hits hard to see kids pass because they have so much ahead of them and they have so much to offer,” Lockhart said.

Photographer and family friend of Martinez, Billy Jabier, told EverythingLubbock.com on Thursday that Martinez was “such a light.” He said it felt like church would not be as bright without her. Jabier said, “I truly believe she is with God Our Father.”

Martinez was described as a beautiful soul. Jabier said her heart was “pure gold” and that she “mattered to the community she was part of.”

“My heart goes out to the family and her loved ones,” Jabier said. “May she rest in pure holiness for eternity.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLBK | KAMC | EverythingLubbock.com.