Dr. Charles Martin

December 18, 1954 - May 25, 2018

Dr. Charles Monroe Martin, was born on December 18, 1954, in Bristol, Virginia, to the late Maude Ervin Martin and Russell Brown. Charles attended Samuel Tilden High School in Brooklyn, New York, and graduated in 1973. He also attended Brooklyn College in 1975, and later he received a Doctorate of Theology from The Upper Room Bible College and Seminary. At the age of 5, Charles’s interest in church music and activities began while attending the New Hope Baptist Church. He sang and was an active member of the children’s choir. He was greatly inspired by his aunt, Margret Lawson, who played the organ and piano for their church. At the age of 16, Charles accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. In addition, he served as the Minister of Music for the St. Timothy Holy Church in Brooklyn, New York. Being inspired by his brother David, who played the keys, Charles began to “tickle the ivories” too. In 1975, he started a group by the name of Melodies of Praise, who traveled throughout many places in the United States, spreading the word of God through music. Charles enlisted in the United States Army on May 17, 1977, and was a Sergeant E5. He was stationed in Ft. Knox, Kentucky, Ft. Eustis, Virginia, Germany, and Korea. While serving his country, he received two Bronze Stars, Army Commendation Medal, Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Southwest Service Medal. In addition, he served in Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia from 1990-1991. On September 22, 1992, Charles was Honorably Discharged from the United States Army. While stationed in Kentucky, Charles was appointed the Southwestern District as Head Minister of Music, over the states of Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana, for the Born Again Apostolic Church organization. On August 30, 1980, he married Robyn Gordon, and to this union two children were born. Dr. Charles Martin was a general in the Lord’s church. In January 1981, he acknowledged his calling to the ministry of preaching. Ordained of God, he immediately began his work in the ministry. Dr. Martin served as the pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church, for nearly 20 years, in Johnson City, Tennessee. He had a love for God and the people of God; many received spiritual guidance from him. After settling in Dover Delaware, he attended Holy Trinity Church of the Living God, where he was under watch care. Charles had a love for all whom he came in contact with. He especially enjoyed the old-time songs. and was always dressed in his Sunday best. He will be forever cherished and greatly missed. On Thursday May 25, 2018, at 7:55pm, at the Kent General Hospital, Charles received his heavenly wings. Heaven is rejoicing because one of “God’s Generals” has gone from labor to reward. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Joseph Martin and Henry Martin. Charles leaves to celebrate his life, his two daughters, whom he loved dearly, Crystal Martin and Danielle Martin; siblings, Jeffrey Martin, Jr. (Sylvia), Marva Martin, David Martin (Renee), Alvin Martin (Anne), Sylvia Martin, William Martin (Katherine), Michael Martin (April), George Martin(Karen), Mary Bascon (Gary), Melvin Martin. Rev. Mark(Lisa)Canty, Richard Canty, Sabrina Ross, and Gracie Falls; stepmother, Mary Brown; son in the gospel, Evan Davis; a host of other spiritual sons and daughters in the Lord; special friends, Carolyn Fain, Elder Tim Haralson, Elder Marlon Willingham, Percy Wilson, Elder Bruce Hudson, Elder Dr. Cornelia Johnson Davis and Deacon Dr. Lapointe Davis, Minister Erich Gillespie, Evangelist Rosie L. Johnson, and Mother Sarah Brown. In addition, he leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and the entire Mt. Olive Baptist Church Family as well as the Holy Trinity Church of the Living God Family; Overseer Martha T. Smith; and Elder John L. Smith. “As long as I have breath, I will praise, worship and serve the Lord. May what the Lord has done thru me, speak for me.” Dr. C Martin “Well Done Thou Good and Faithful Servant” Submitted in Love, The Family On Friday June 1, 2018 the family will receive friends from 7:00pm until 7:30pm, followed by a Musical Tribute from 7:00pm until 9:00pm at Holy Trinity Church of the Living God, 425 W Division St. Dover, Delaware. Funeral Services will be held at the church on Saturday June 2. 2018 at 12:00pm. The family will also receive friends from 10:00am-12:00pm at the church prior to the service. Interment will follow at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington VA. Professional Services provided by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, 717 West Division Street Dover, Delaware. www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com