Obituary of Viola Martin

Viola Martin was born in Camaguey, Cuba on December 5, 1915. On Thursday January 16, 2014 God saw it fit to say "come my child and rest". She departed this life very peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Viola Martin was born to the late Willel Minor McCormack and Alfred Reid. While her Mom was alive in Cuba she met a wonderful woman, named Lenora Richards. Lenora was near and dear to Willel's heart. The two bonded and became close friends and confidants, like sisters. Through their loyal friendship emerged a commitment regarding the future and care-taking of Willel's girls Viola, Merdina and Icilda; if ever she became ill Lenora promised Willel to take care of the girls as if they were her own. This promise was sadly fulfilled a short time later because Ms. Willel passed away; Viola and her siblings migrated to Jamaica with Ms. Lenora. After transforming into a beautiful young lady in Jamaica W.I., Viola was swept off her feet by the late great Westmore Leopold Martin, affectionately called Ba' Wes who persevered to win her heart and her hand in marriage. Together their union produced nine children. Viola Martin affectionately called Mom, Grandma, Mama, Auntie Vie, Sister Vie; Grandma Martin, Mother Martin was a virtuous woman, a champion woman of God. She was a church mother, pleasant, endearing, humble, vivacious, funny, charming, but most of all a Power house teacher of Gods' word. She sought to demonstrate these attributes through her life, and instill the power of prayer in anyone she encountered. She encouraged us to know and obey the commandments and honor Gods' words so that our work will not be in vain. Mom, Grandma, Mama, Aunty Vie, Sister Vie, Grandma Martin, Mother Martin enjoyed listening to the Family Radio Station especially as her sight gradually diminished. On a visit to Grandma, you should be prepared to hear one of the many scriptures that was embedded in her mind; if you missed a word or two she could always fill them in. Grandma walked with her Lord daily. Her memory was impeccable and sometimes it was a mystery as to the things she remembered. Mother Martin loved the gathering of her family and friends at her home where we would congregate and reminisce about the good old times. Sometimes Alexander (Busta as he's affectionately called) would tell stories; Grandma would interject with that ever so sweet humor, you couldn't help but laugh. One of her favorite stories was about Ba' Wes strict upbringing of the children; the furthest those boys could go at night was down to the mango tree at the front gate. I remember Grandma telling a story about her children's childhood friend coming to the house to ask for "Crab"(Busta) and "Wizard(Owen)". Ba'Wes would promptly interject: "crab" live a bush and "Wizard" is a magician and none of those live here (please chuckle). The heartbeat and the core of Mother Martin was her relationship with God first, followed by her family and with great emphasis on her grandchildren. Her memory and her life will carry on through her nine children Ivy (Lester Maxwell), Carmen (Danny Lee), Gifford, Marjorie (Reynold Davis-deceased), John, Owen, Alexander Busta (Pamela), Emil and Anthony (Melica). Twenty-five (25) grandchildren, seventeen (17) great-grandchildren and one (1) great-great grandchild, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory. Grandma, Mom, Ms. Vie, Mama, Grandma Martin oh you were loved and you will be dearly missed. We are gathered today and of course our hearts are saddened and weary but let's celebrate the life of Viola Martin and reflect on her legacy. Let us take comfort in the blessings she bestowed on us and as a family continue to perpetuate her heritage. She lived a bountiful, selfless, loving, gracious life and her memory and presence will forever endure. We love you Mom, Grandma, Ms. Vie, Mama, Grandma Martin. You are in the arms of our sweet, loving Savior; sleep on we'll meet you in the morning.