Mother Almeda F. Martin

Almeda F. Martin, also known as “Grandma Snook,” “Gran” and “Bright Eyes,” was the youngest and only girl born to the union of the late James and Eva Wallace on Tuesday, January 16, 1923, in Fairfax, VA. At an early age, she migrated to Steelton, PA, where she received her formal education in the Steelton School District. In 1938, our beloved Mother Martin married the late Jay Dee Martin, and this union was blessed with five children. In 1946, Mother Martin moved to Harrisburg, PA, where she met her spiritual sister in the Lord, the late Elder Pauline McLamb. God put them together and Mother Martin followed Sister Pauline as she surrendered her life to Christ in 1950 under the leadership of the late Elder Banks and served faithfully as Sister/Mother Martin. She then later followed her spiritual sister and brother, the late Elder Pauline and Henry McLamb to help begin their ministry as God called them to a greater call to open the doors of the McLamb Memorial Church of The Living God where she served as Minister, Church Mother/Mother’s Board, served with the Sunday School as well as in many other capacities in the church where her help was needed. Mother Martin retired from the former Polyclinic Hospital after over thirty years of dedicated service, praying for the sick as she moved about her day in the hospital. She was loved by her co-workers. Mother Martin was the one that Elder Banks and Elder Pauline McLamb called on to read the scriptures. She had a gift for reading the Word with power. An avid reader, she enjoyed reading the Word, the newspaper and working crossword puzzles. Mother was a “no nonsense” lady of faith with a strong belief in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her words were, “You must have the Holy Spirit in your walk with the Lord.” She remained faithful in her church attendance until her failing health. As a resident of the Golden Living Center, Camp Hill, PA, she continued her ministry wheeling around in her wheelchair praying, loving and encouraging the residents, staff and everyone she met. As long as she was able, she continued on her journey, never complaining, but looking to God for her help while sharing the love of God, godly wisdom and discernment. She had a special love for her family and church family. She just loved all God’s children; she didn’t just talk it, she lived it. Mother Martin loved to sing and praise the Lord wherever she went. She loved the Lord with all her heart and soul and was named, “Mother Love,” by the late Doris Manning. Her favorite scripture was I Corinthians, Chapter 13 (The Love Chapter). Her favorite songs were, "I Won't Complain," "My Life Will Be Sweeter One Day," "The Lord Is My Shepherd" and "Prayer Is The Answer." She had many spiritual children. She had a special love for Bishop David and Mother Screven of Emanuel C.O.G.I.C. She called them every holiday to give her blessings and love. She loved to fellowship with her daughter and son-in-law at the Emanuel C.O.G.I.C. whenever she was able to attend. She shared many good times with the late Carolyn Brown and Elder Pete Brown at their home and eating out at Red Lobster every Sunday. On Thursday, March 23, 2017, at the blessed age of ninety-four, Mother Martin exchanged mortality for immortality passing from labor to reward. Not only was she preceded in death by her parents, James and Eva Wallace, and her husband, Jay Dee Martin; but by three children, Kenneth James Wallace, Sandra A. Cooper, Ricardo J. Martin; three brothers, Merrill Turner, Amiel Turner, Obra Turner; and grandson, Jerome Curtis Marshall. Mother Martin leaves to cherish her memory two devoted daughters, Christina Collins, Jacqueline Marshall, both of Harrisburg, PA; daughter-in-law, Sharlene Martin of Philadelphia, PA; devoted son-in-law, Jerome Marshall whom she dearly loved of Harrisburg; twenty-two grandchildren, forty-eight great-grandchildren, thirty-five great-great grandchildren, six great-great-great-grandchildren, all spanning five generations, other family members and her church family. We were very blessed because we knew we always had our mother’s love. There is so much we could say about our mother, but time will not permit and words are not enough. But, this is the best thing we can say, “Mother, We Love You.” Submitted with our Everlasting Love! The Family of Mother Almeda Martin

Tributes

Mother Almeda F. Martin

January 16, 1923 - March 23, 2017