John B. Martin Sr.

John Billie Martin, Sr., age 90 entered into eternal rest on December 22, 2019 at the Lorien Nursing Facility in Columbia, Maryland. John was born March 13, 1929 to the late Rosetta Spencer Martin and the late Theophilus (Hokey) Martin in Covington, Virginia. John was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Joy Boggs Martin; sister, Marlene Beverly; two sons, Allen S. Martin and Larry A. Martin, Sr.; granddaughter, Natia’ J. Martin; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. At an early age, John accepted Christ and was a member of Pine Street Baptist Church in Covington, Virginia. He received his education at Watson High School in Covington, Virginia where he played football for the Hornets and was an outstanding player. He was also voted most handsome of his class. Upon leaving his hometown of Covington, Virginia, John enlisted in the US Army where he served in the Korean War and held the position of Corporal. At the completion of his service, he received an honorable discharge. After leaving the Army, John worked for 33 years at J & L Corporation in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. He retired in 1981; after which, he continued to work at various jobs. John enjoyed baseball and westerns; and was an avid Pittsburgh Steeler’s fan. He was so proud to cast his vote for and witness the election of the first African American President of the United States, Barack Obama. In his pastime, he enjoyed family gatherings, gardening and fixing his houses. John was a jack-of-all-trades! John truly loved the Lord and was a faithful and devoted Trustee of Tried Stone Baptist Church in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. John was a 32 ̊ Mason of the Nebo Zion Hope Lodge #50 (Ambridge, PA) where he served a term as the Most Worshipful Master. He was a dedicated member and loved to march beside his brothers. He was so proud when he received his 50-year pin! He was also a member of the Melita Lodge #117 and the St. Cyprian Consistory of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. John leaves to cherish his loving memories: his wife, Pauline M. Martin; brother, Paul L. Martin (Evelyn); aunt, Regina Laws; children, Sharon (Michael); Jerry (Loretta); Yvonne; Phyllis (Jeff); John Jr.(Valencia); and, Kimberly (Eze);daughters-in-law Myrtle & Lawanda; grandchildren, Michele (Schely), Michael (Lil’ Mike), Trina, Larry (Lil’ Larry), Lashawn, Jaclyn (Tenae), Rashell, Ciara, Khalilah, Travis, Joey, Nikki, Todd, Lina, Kamisha, Owen, Tita, Taylor, Erica, Jordan, Bill and Brodie; and a host of great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted longtime friend, Clarence (Tim) Green and family. Words of Gratitude The family of the late John B. Martin, Sr. would like to express our heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of love shown to our family in our time of bereavement. Thank you to the Lorien Skilled Nursing Facility for your care of our father for the last 5 years. A special word of thanks to his first G.N.A., Felicia Onwudiachi for making the transition to Lorien easy. We are forever grateful for his two primary G.N.A.’s, Mary John and Shanagay Burrell-Peters, who cared for our father as if he was family. Your thoughtful and consistent care of our father will never be forgotten. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.” -Irish Tombstone

Tributes

John B. Martin Sr.

March 13, 1929 - December 22, 2019