Karlene Mae Martinez

Karlene Mae Martinez was born on June 13, 1992, in Renton, Washington. From the very beginning, Karlene was a force to be reckoned with. Even as a young girl, she knew exactly who she was. She liked what she liked, spoke her mind, and carried within her a fighter’s spirit that would define her life. She was full of life, energy, and joy. Karlene loved to dance and had a deep passion for sports, especially basketball. She played with determination and confidence, often outplaying the boys, including her brother Philip. 

While attending Christian school in the 7th grade, she was honored as Sports Person of the Year, a reflection of her perseverance, strength, and fearless spirit. From a young age, Karlene was active in her parents’ church, Harvest Center Christian Church, where her faith was nurtured and her heart for worship and service first took root. It was there that she learned to love God deeply and serve others faithfully. Her life reflected the faith her parents instilled in her from the very beginning. She saw the good in everyone and lived with boldness, compassion, and curiosity. 

In 2011, Karlene met Rudy Martinez Jr., who would become her best friend and the love of her life. Karlene often described Rudy as a perfect gentleman, patient with her stubbornness and leading her with love and God’s truth. Their love was rooted in faith, loyalty, and unwavering commitment. They were married in April 2014 and moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where they joined Kingdom Church Atlanta under the leadership of Pastor Dale Jones Sr., beginning their life together grounded in faith and purpose. In September 2015, they welcomed their first son, Hezekiah, who was born prematurely. Though his early arrival required intensive medical care, Karlene handled that season with extraordinary grace and unwavering love. She and Rudy demonstrated incredible strength and unity, standing together in faith and ensuring their son was surrounded by love from the very beginning. 

In 2017, Karlene and her family returned to Tucson, Arizona, where she continued her career in banking and faithfully served at Harvest Center Christian Church, her home church. She led worship and remained deeply connected to the spiritual foundation that had shaped her life and relationship with God. In 2019, they welcomed their second son, Israel, completing their beautiful family. In 2020, during a time when the world slowed down, Karlene discovered and embraced her creative gifts. She founded Karlene Mae Photography, where her natural eye for beauty and detail quickly became evident. She photographed families, weddings, maternity sessions, newborns, and professional headshots. Her ability to capture authentic moments and draw out confidence in others made her work deeply meaningful. 

As her ministry and creative gifts continued to grow, Karlene also shared her talents in service to the broader faith community. She served as a graphic designer for Pastor Maynard Weisbrod’s sermon graphics at Calvary Evangelistic Center and as a praise and worship leader. Her worship style was uniquely her own, blending modern and traditional songs into powerful expressions of praise that ushered people into the presence of God.

 In 2021, Karlene faced one of the greatest battles of her life when she became a sepsis survivor and amputee, losing one leg, toes, and eight fingers. Yet even in loss, she refused to allow her circumstances to define her future. Instead, she rose. With remarkable courage and determination, she learned new ways to thrive. She became a certified lash technician and proudly launched her business, Limitless Lash, a name that reflected both her journey and her unbreakable spirit. She became widely known as “Limitless Karlene,” a motivational speaker, faith advocate, and source of hope to many. She also faithfully served as a teacher to the CEC teens, who were drawn to her authenticity and transparency. Through her testimony, she showed the world that while she may have lost limbs, she never lost her faith, her purpose, or her voice. 

One of her final creative contributions was designing the new church van, a project that reflected both her artistic gift and her heart to serve the house of God. It stands as a lasting reminder of her creativity, faithfulness, and the love she poured into every assignment she was given. Wherever she served, her heart remained the same: to glorify God and encourage others through worship. She traveled, spoke, and encouraged others, reminding them that scars are not symbols of defeat, but evidence of survival, strength, and purpose. She lived out her declaration: Beautifully Scarred. Boldly Living.

 Above all, Karlene loved her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a faithful daughter, and a light to all who knew her. Her love was steady, her presence was powerful, and her impact was eternal.Karlene leaves behind her devoted husband, Rudy Martinez Jr.; her beloved sons, Hezekiah and Israel Martinez; her mother, Stacy Walker Curtis (Archie Curtis); her parents, Dennis and Mary Barreras; her brothers, Dennis Barreras Jr. (Marie), Philip Barreras (Viviana), and James Walker; her sisters, Melissa Mozingo (Jason) and Rachel Yocom (Tyson); and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends who will carry her memory forward. On February 25, 2026, Karlene woke up in Glory, healed, whole, and in the presence of her Savior. She lived limbitless, but never limitless in faith, courage, or love. Her legacy lives on in the strength of her children, the devotion of her husband, and the countless lives she inspired to live.