Deacon Samuel L. Martin Sr.

Deacon Samuel L. Martin, Sr., 96, of Palmyra, Virginia departed this life to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 21, 2019. He was born May 16, 1923 in Palmyra, Virginia to the late Richard and Martha Martin. He joined Haden Chapel United Methodist Church in Palmyra, Virginia at an early age. When he retired and returned to Virginia, he joined Evergreen Baptist Church also in Palmyra, Virginia under the leadership of Rev. Dawkins where he was ordained as a Deacon. Later he m oved his membership to Shiloh Baptist Church in Waynesboro, Virginia and continued to serve there as a Deacon. On August 19, 1943, he was drafted into the Army and served three years in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes and Rhineland. He left Virginia in 1949 and moved his family to Newark, New Jersey where he worked for and retired from Hoffman La Roche pharmaceuticals as a Chemical Operator Foreman. He was preceded in death by a son Samuel Martin II, four older brothers Alfred Martin, William Martin, Otis Mills Martin, Edgar Martin and one sister Hulda Martin. Samuel leaves to cherish his memories, Marion Martin his wife of 73 years, two daughters Joyce Bailey Charlottesville, VA and Linda Freeman Newark, NJ, three sons Kenneth Martin Bloomfield NJ, Anthony Martin Palmyra, VA and an adopted son Charles Smith of New York, 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. A special friend Rev. Dr. Warne Dawkins, whom he loved as a son. Sam will always be remembered for his sense of humor, his love, respect, and kindness that he showed to all who knew him. His guidance and inspiration will also be missed.