Carl John Martin Jr.

Reflection of Life CARL JOHN MARTIN, JR., beloved son and brother, was born June 28, 1973, and entered into eternal rest on February 9, 2023. Carl (affectionately known as “CJ”) was the first born son to Carl Martin Sr. and Mary Martin (affectionately known as “Cookie”) of Baltimore, Maryland. CJ was reared in a loving home with his parents, maternal grandmother the late Mary Cecelia Franks and his only sibling, his baby sister Carla. For many years his grandmother cared for CJ and Carla while Cookie and Carl worked outside of the home. Cookie and Carl attended church with their young family for many years under the leadership of the late Bishop Conway Green and continued under their nephew Dr. Melvin C. Green. Carl rededicated his life to Christ and rejoined the Christian Community Church of God as an adult in 1999, and joined the Brotherhood Choir along with his dad Carl, Sr. CJ was a 1991 graduate of Milford Mill High School and earned a perfect score on the Algebra – Math High School Achievement State Test and was awarded recognition by the Baltimore County Public School System. Carl furthered his education at Catonsville Community College and the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Carl’s first years of employment began at Proctor & Gamble and Wells Fargo. Carl followed in the footsteps of his Dad and began a career for the United States Postal Service spanning over 28 years of service. CJ received recognition for his commitment, professionalism, and determination. He served as a mentor and would help train new employees as they entered the field where many admired him and revered him as their “work” Dad. Through his generosity many children along his route were given Christmas gifts by CJ and his co-workers. He never ceased to help those in need! Carl loved music and his love of music made him an awesome DJ! CJ was the life of the party. CJ never met a stranger. Everywhere he went he made friends. He loved to entertain and enjoyed having gatherings at his home. CJ was a wonderful cook. He was known for his baked ziti and spareribs. To know CJ was to love him. He had a kind and jovial spirit, a beautiful smile, and an infectious laugh. CJ lived life to the fullest, he enjoyed traveling, and he loved attending Family Reunions. He especially got great joy out of traveling to Chicago to visit family and was enthusiastic about driving his dad on this road trip. During his childhood he had fun-filled summers that incorporated daily swims in the backyard. He also loved family barbeques. Even though CJ was the only son, he had male cousins Tyrone, Kevin, Keith, and Kenny, and they were reared more like brothers than cousins. Carl also created relationships during his childhood that became lifelong friends. CJ was a dedicated Ravens fan and avid season ticket holder. Carl enjoyed tailgating and attending the Ravens home games with his dad and best friend Carl, Sr. When the Ravens played away, you could find CJ at his parents’ home watching the game with them. CJ was very family oriented. He loved his entire family, especially his baby sister Carla, even though she acted like the oldest! Even with the big age difference they were still remarkably close. He was always there for his family and constantly showed his love and concern for Carl, Sr., Cookie, and Carla. Carl, Sr. and Jr. had an extra special bond as father and son; when you saw one, you saw the other! They both enjoyed watching sports, and old westerns together. Cookie affectionately called her only son “Baby Carl!” Cookie enjoyed their time together, shopping, going to the movies, and attending live shows. When he plucked Cookie’s last nerve, he knew the way back to her heart was to play a Marvin Gaye song! CJ was a unique, irreplaceable, kind soul, and his legacy will continue to live in all the lives he has touched over the years. Carl leaves to cherish his precious memory: his loving and devoted parents, Cookie and Carl Martin; his baby sister, Carla Martin; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and loving friends.

Tributes

Carl John Martin Jr.

June 28, 1973 - February 9, 2023