Obituary for Martha P. Martin

 Martha P.  Martin
Martha Pearl Byers Martin was born in Gadsden, AL on March 31, 1936 to the union of the Late Overseer Samuel M. Byers and Elder Sister Ruby M. Byers. She received her general education in the Gadsden City School System and graduated from Carver High School in 1955. After continuing her education, she obtained her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree at Good Samaritan College, Selma, AL. Mother Martin worked for many years at the Holy Name of Jesus Hospital in Gadsden, AL. She later relocated to Poughkeepsie, NY where she resided for Seventeen years and worked at Vassar Brothers Hospital as an LPN. She continued her work at Vassar Brothers after receiving her Registered Nurse (R.N.) from Dutchess Community College while living in Poughkeepsie.

As a child, Mother Martin was baptized in Jesus Name and received the gift of the Holy Ghost under the pastoral leadership of her father, the late Overseer Samuel Byers at the Gadsden No. 1 A.O.H. Church of God. Her love and passion for Christ was evident in that she was excited about the Name of Jesus! She was not only an active member in her local assembly; she participated in district meetings, youth conventions, Pentecost and sang with her Best Friend and Sister in Christ, (Pastor) Ada Lee and the “Holy Echoes”. In her youth, Mother Martin loved to share in the ministry of her grandmother, the late Overseer Mattie P. Scruggs. She was a member of Gadsden No. 1 until she relocated to Poughkeepsie, NY. While in Poughkeepsie she was a member of Holy Light Pentecostal Church under the leadership of Pastor A.D. McClinton.

Mother Martin returned to Gadsden after living in Poughkeepsie to be the sole caretaker for her mother. She worked for various home healthcare agencies and continued to be dedicated to the profession in which she loved so well. Once again, Mother Martin placed her membership at the Gadsden No. 1 A.O.H. Church of God under the pastoral leadership of Bishop Willie Sanders. She was a faithful member until she became homebound; even then praying and loving the Lord with the saints as they visited and ministered unto her in her home. Mother Martin served as a local mother, musician (organist) and Church Anniversary Historian. Mother Martin was a dynamic historian and would present the occasion which included the church history with anointed presentation. Mother Martin was a licensed Minister with the A.O.H. Church of God, Inc. Her leadership did not end there; she has served as the President of the Mother’s Ministry (Northeast Central Alabama) for the A.O.H. Church of God, Inc. for many years. Under her leadership, she coordinated an Annual Northeast Central Alabama State Mother’s Convention meeting which reflected on the word of God, Praise and Worship and impacted the lives of many.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Overseer Samuel and Elder Sister Ruby M. Byers, her brother: Othea Neal, and her sisters: Sarah Byers Foster Harris and Louise Henley. She leaves to cherish her precious memories: two sons: James (Terrye) Martin and Donavan Martin of Gadsden, AL; Special Daughter: Monica Mostella of Gadsden, AL; two brothers: Samuel Byers, Jr. (Bernice) and Elder Hershel L. Byers of Gadsden, AL; Sister in laws: Mary Martin of Richmond, VA; Ramona Harris (Darnell) of Columbus, OH; Judith Elder (Darryl) of Douglasville, GA; Brother in laws: Ahmed Martin (Minnie) of Atlanta, GA; Namon Martin (Debbie) of Gadsden, AL, Ezra Martin of Gadsden, AL , Glenn Martin of Haywood, CA, and Donnie Martin of Gadsden, AL. Grandchildren: Donesha Densmore, Raveen Martin, Donavan Martin, Jr., Myli K. Martin of Gadsden, AL; Danielle Ward and Jarrell Ward (Charmane) of Anniston, AL; Great-grandchild: Jada Sharpe of Anniston, AL; Dedicated and loyal friends: Pastor Ada Lee of Atlanta, GA and Daphne Barrett of Poughkeepsie, NY and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and saints.

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