Mary Martin

Life began for Mother Mary Lee Martin in Greenville, MS on February 2, 1917 to her proud parents, Rev. John Black and Mary Black who welcomed her in the Kingdom of God on Wednesday, January 30, 2013. She also joins four brothers: Eddie, Paul, Walter and Henry T. Black four sisters: Maggie Lybell, Bess Blake, Theresa Hayes, and Bertean Green who also was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.
Mother Mary Lee Martin came to Madison in 1941 in search of a better life with her husband Jim Braxton who passed away in January of 2006.! She was a honorary pioneer for God's Kingdom, human rights, racial injustices, and lost and found lambs belonging to Jesus Christ. She joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church in 1941 which was located on West Johnson Street. She served GOD happily in many ways while a member of Mt. Zion: she sung in the choir high praises of glory, served on the Mother's Board, faithfully visited the sick & shut-in, and gave her time to numerous church committees.
She received "Faithful Service", "Outstanding Service", & "Dedication of Service" from Mt. Zion and on November 10, 2012, her daughter, Beatrice Chatman, accepted a plaque for her many contributions to the South Madison Community.
Mother Mary Lee Martin also helped to support the rights of senior citizens by grabbing her faith and marching up State Street in Madison, WI with her head held high to show strength and dedication!
Mother Mary Lee Martin worked in housekeeping at St. Mary's Hospital, Madison, WI for 25 years and loved caring for the sick during her spare time. "If GOD willing. . . " was one of her favorites things to say when she was asked about completing a task. She attended Madison Vocational School (completed GED) to further her education and was always seeking out new adventures in life. She enjoyed reading the bible, praying, singing, growing flowers & sharing her wisdom about GOD to other people. Her favorite foods were Southern style greens, fried chicken, sweet potato pie, peach cobbler and ohh . . . let's not forge the corny bread muffins!
Mother Mary Lee Martin leaves behind: two blessed and beautiful daughters; Beatrice Chatman, Madison, WI; Jeanette Braxton, St. Petersburg, FL; two step-daughters; Carolyn Chrisco, Madison, WI; Doris (Christopher)Forte, Corinth, TX; eight grandchildren: Carmen Braxton, Bowie, MD; Char (Charles) Braxton, Madison, WI; Don (Carrie) Braxton, Madison, WI; Collette (Charles) Watts, Acworth, GA; Ameche (Amy) Braxton, Thornton, CO; FreddiePierre Jones, III, Bowling Green, Kentucky, Tyrone (Elizabeth) Braxton, Denver; CO and Demetra Braxton, Madison, WI. She also treasures a host of great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, Teolar Harris, sister-in-law, Madison, WI; Pearline, Johnson, niece, Cottage Grove, WI, and nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and church members.
Mother Mary Lee Martin feels truly blessed that she lived a long life of loving, serving, and following the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen! Amen! Amen!