Memorial Program for Mary D. Martin

Remembering the Life of Mary D. Martin

In Honor of Her 80th Birthday Sunrise

November 9, 1942

Sunset

December 1, 2021

Wednesday, November 9, 2022 ~ 11:00 a.m.

Saint Joseph African Methodist Episcopal Church 2521 Fayetteville Street | Durham, NC 27707 www.stjosephame.org Reverend Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine, Senior Pastor Reverend Valerie McIver, Officiating

Mary Delois Martin Remembering a Life Well Lived

It was with great sadness, that we announced that Mary Delois Martin, "Pete" transitioned to her heavenly home on December 1, 2021. She was living in Bowie, MD with her sister Carolyn Martin and nephew, Kofi Martin-Bolden. This Celebration of Life for Mary Delois Martin, is in honor of her 80th birthday, November 9, 2022, in her hometown of Durham, NC. Mary was born on November 9, 1942, in Durham, NC to Ulysses and Winnie Martin, who proceeded her in death.

"Pete", to all who knew her, was a loving and caring individual who touched the lives of all who knew her. Mary was devoted to her family, the community and her church, St. Joseph AME, where she was active in the Choirs, Missionary and Sunday School. Mary was well known for her musical talent as a soloist in her school, church, and the Durham community.

She attended Durham City Schools and graduated from Hillside High School in 1960. She was active in the Hillside Drama club, and choir. She attended North Carolina College, now North Carolina Central University, where she continued her love of acting and singing as a student thespian. She was a graduate of Croft Business College which propelled her into her career at Operation Breakthrough, Inc. in Human Resources, and the New Careers Program. She later moved her employment to N.C. State Government where she retired as Field Director, EEOC for the State of N.C. She received "The Order of the Long Leaf Pine" from Governor Jim Hunt for her service to the state of NC. Mary “Pete" was very active in the civil rights movement and the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People. She was a charter member of Today's Women Organization, Inc. serving as its president, a member of the Lovely Ladies Pinochle Social Club, and secretary of Club'60 Forever, for Hillside High School, class of 1960.

After retiring, Mary served as Board Chair of Operation Breakthrough, Inc., the anti-poverty agency for Durham County.

She was honored to be the personal confident and spokesperson for Ms. Ann Atwater and family and was included in the plans for the filming of the movie “The Best of Enemies.” During retirement Mary operated a home business for writing, secretarial and tax services.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Ulysses (Bo) Martin, Jr. Mary is survived by two sisters, Carolyn Martin; Alma Martin Gill; one brother, William (Buddy) Martin; three nephews, Kofi Martin-Bolden; Anwar Martin; Joshua Gill (Michelle) and child, Ava Gill; two nieces, Yashante Foster and her children, Dexter Foster and Nyla Ray Foster; Monica Pierce and children, Taylor Issis and Nazir Pierce; all whom she loved very much. Mary is also survived by numerous family members and friends.

The Order of Liturgy A Special Service of Rememberance in honor of

Mary Delois Martin on her 80th Birthday The Reverend Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine, Senior Pastor Presiding

The Processional…………….................…....….........................................................……….................................…...Members of the Clergy The Prayer of Comfort…………………………..........................................................…..…The Reverend Dr. Deborah L. Burroughs Associate Minister, St. Joseph AME Church Musical Selection……..........................................…“Great is Thy Faithfulness”….....................................…. The Music Ministry The Scripture Reading ……………….…….......................................................................…………......………………The Reverend Larry Reid Musical Selection……..….......................……"There's a Bright Side Somewhere"………...............................The Music Ministry Words of Tribute Expressions from Hillside High Class of '60 ……….….…..................................................Sister Cloyce Lassiter Expressions from the Lovely Ladies Social Club.................................................................Sister Sue Jarmon Expressions from Today's Women Organization, Inc. Expressions from a member of the Chambers Family ……...…...................…...….…..Sister Carlene Tyson Reading of the Obituary & Acknowledgements................................................................................Sister Shirley Hamilton Musical Selection ……………..........................................................................................................................................The Music Ministry The Eulogy ……………………….………………………….……………..…………............................................................The Reverend Valerie McIver Associate Minister, St. Joseph AME Church The Benediction................................................................................................................................................................Pastor Augustine

Acknowledgement The Family of the late Mary D. Martin would like to express our sincere gratitude for the many acts of kindness and concern that we received during the extended illness and the heavenly transition of our dear Mary.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Global Assisted Living /Bowie,MD. who loved and cared for Mary, Mrs.Constance Walker for her steadfast friendship and support to Mary and our family, Ms. Shirley Hamilton, Sunday school teacher,and the St. Joseph AME Church family for their compassion, support and prayer.

Perhaps you sent a lovely card, or just sat quietly in a chair,perhaps you spoke the kindest words a friend would say.Whatever you did to console our hearts,we thank you so much,whatever the part.

_The Family