Leo Jerome Martin, Jr

SUNRISE On October 12, 1984, the earth was blessed with the arrival of a wonderful son, brother, father, nephew, cousin, and friend. His name was Leo Jerome Martin, Jr. He was born one of a set of twins to Vastina Mayes and Leo Jerome Martin, Sr. (deceased). He departed this life peacefully in his sleep on 8/17/2024. DAYLIGHT Leo, better known as "Manny," grew up receiving his education in the Baltimore City Public School Systems. Manny held various positions in his life but the role he loved most as of being a father. He was overjoyed being the proud parent of seven beautiful children. He spoiled them rotten with attention, time, love, and gifts. If you saw him, you would see them as well. He was big on education for his children, often using himself as an example to of motivation to do better than him. Having grown up in a close-knit family, he spent much of his time with them. Along with his affection for his own family, he also cherished his extended family, frequently gathering all his nieces, nephews, and the kids of his cousins and taking them to the store, gym, basketball court, park, and family cookouts. He was a firm believer in maintaining physical fitness. He would walk anywhere and everywhere without hesitation and take his kids with him. Few kids or adults could withstand the rigorous exercise regimen Manny would subject them to. He was so devoted to his family that he gave a kidney without hesitation to save his cousin. Manny had a passion for sports, in particular basketball and football. He cherished being a coach as much as he loved playing. He was a man of many interests and talents; he enjoyed playing video games and rapping as Manny "Mo." He was an enthusiastic worker and loyal friend, if you needed something done in a hurry you could always depend on him, no questions asked. He accepted God and was baptized with his family and a host of friends present. Even though he experienced hardships in life, he ALWAYS maintained a positive outlook and an intense sense of self-worth, regardless of how challenging obstacles became for him. When you first met Manny, you were immediately welcomed and had your heart warmed by his contagious smile. Because of his kind demeanor, sense of humor, laughter, and unwavering happiness and thoughtfulness, you left as friends. His mother and sisters served as his main source of inspiration. They pushed him to reach his full potential, and he never forgot their advice and constantly tried to improve upon himself. SUNSET Though Leo Jerome Martin, Jr. may no longer walk beside us, his memory will forever be enshrined in the fabric of the lives of those he leaves to cherish his memories: his mother: Vastina Mayes(Margaret Codorl), seven children; Leo III, Damontae, Mniya (Melissa Wheeler), Anmanuel (Sheria Way), Jevon, LeAsia, and Martin (April Blow), seven extended children; Quan'tae, Willim, Aniya, Amanda, Taniyra, Tiyuan and James, three grandchild; Ja'Kaari, Leo IV(deceased), and Zariellle, three sisters; Tynisha Kadiri, Brenda Allen (Jamal Allen), and his twin sister/best friend Lia Martin (Rodrick Coney), on brother; Dominic Brown, one brother/cousin; Horace Hill, eighteen nieces and nephews with a unmatched bond with; Jhytae, Zanara, Tymonyai, Iyal, Zakah, Aallayh, and Tajae, three best friends; James Smith, Tavon Prettyman and Michael McLaurin, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and close special friends.

Tributes

Leo Jerome Martin, Jr

October 12, 1984 - August 17, 2024