Eunice Elvira Martin

Life and Legacy

Eunice Elvira Martin was born December 1, 1931 in Ancon, Panama. She was one of

fourteen children born to Fitz and Mahalla Smith, immigrants from Barbados. As a young adult, she moved to the United States to live with her God-mother.

While serving the Lord at Holy Temple COGIC, she met the love of her life, the late Reverend Marcellus Martin. They went on to be married and later started a family. They had a beautiful marriage. From their union, they were blessed with a precious son, Benjamin Martin. As a mom, Eunice’s proudest moment was seeing her son dedicate his life to Christ and become a pastor.

“Sister Martin” or “Mother Martin” ,as she was affectionately called, accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord as a young child during Sunday School. She served the Lord all the days of her life.

Sister Martin stood by her husband’s side as he founded the West Park Church of Deliverance in 1971, now known as “Christ Community.” In the early years of the church, she served by teaching Children’s Sunday School, leading the choir and playing the organ. She believed in the power of prayer and firmly stood on God’s word. She was such a blessing to everyone whom she encountered and especially to her family.

When asked what she most wanted to be remembered for, her response was: “that I lived my life as a child of God who loved the Lord.” She was the kindest and sweetest person you could ever meet. She had a very meek and quiet spirit. She was a godly example of a virtuous woman for many women across generations. 

“Mother Martin '' loved to cook various dishes for her family, sing hymns, and encourage others. One of her hobbies was going shopping with her daughter- in -law and granddaughter. She enjoyed making her own clothes and looking sharp!!

She always had a listening ear and a comforting prayer to share. Some of her favorite sayings were:  “Pray about it” ….  “Leave it in the Lord’s hands”… “We’ll see what the Lord does” …. ““This too shall pass”.... and “Jesus is my friend.”

On Tuesday, September 28th, God called Mother Martin home.  Her memories will forever live and be cherished in the hearts of her son, Benjamin, her daughter-in- law Shurron, four grandchildren, Alexis, Marcellus, Ben Jr. and Joshua, her God daughter, Angela Ferguson, and a host of nieces, nephews, spiritual children, and friends.

Submitted With Love,

The Family   

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