Cynthia "Cindy" Jeselnik

Cynthia “Cindy” Martin Jeselnik was surrounded by loved ones when she passed away on November 18, 2024 after a short illness. Cindy was born in DeFuniak Springs on November 16, 1953 to Thomas Elwood and Sabra Owen Martin and was proud to call Walton County home for all of her life. She graduated from Walton High School and completed her post-secondary education at the University of West Florida and at Troy State University. She was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church and Resurrection Fellowship United Methodist Church. 

 Cindy kept herself busy serving the people of Walton County with her extensive list of positions held. While she started out as a bank employee at Cawthon State Bank on Baldwin Avenue, she soon transitioned into the school system and began a long career of serving Walton County’s families through students. With the Walton County School District, Cindy held the titles of Health Education coordinator, guidance counselor, special needs testing coordinator, Student Services Director, state testing coordinator, and she was the first School Improvement Chair at Walton High School. Another “first” was her title of being the first civilian in the country to hold the position of Health Education Director at Eglin Air Force Base. In every position she held through her lifetime, Cindy fervently advocated for the wellbeing of students – including bringing the Take Stock in Children Program to our area and steadfastly pursuing disability rights and handicap accesses wherever needed.

 In her personal life, Cindy still served. She was a longtime choir and praise band director at First United Methodist Church, and she was always honored when she was asked to perform through singing at special events, especially weddings and funerals. 

 Her family and friends knew her as a lover of music, children, animals, sunsets, fishing, country car rides, and sports (Go Dawgs). Even with her many interests, she remarkably still found time for research and learning. Known as the family historian and genealogy expert, Cindy gave her family the great gift of connecting with their history. 

 Cindy is survived by her husband of 44 years, David Jeselnik, her children, Matthew Jeselnik of California and Briana Jeselnik Suggs (Joseph) of Chipley, Florida, and her cherished granddaughters Hadley and Zoey Suggs. She also leaves behind her sisters, Susan Hudson (Myron) of Westville, Florida and Toma Collinsworth (Keith) of Freeport, Florida. 

 She is preceded in death by her parents Thomas Elwood Martin and Sabra Owen Martin. 

 Known to so many as Mama J, Cindy is revered as being totally and hopelessly devoted to her family. She brightened every room with her smile and welcoming demeanor, and her memory will continue to bring smiles to the faces of those who knew and loved her for many, many years to come. 

 Children’s Home Society of Florida has long held a special place in the hearts of the Jeselniks, and donations made in Cindy’s memory would be greatly appreciated.