Evelyn Martin

Evelyn Martin was born on August 29, 1932, in Tuskegee, Alabama, to Clinton Clements and Lillie Ruth Browning, who preceded her in death. After graduating from Tuskegee Institute High School, Evelyn lovingly supported her parents by caring for her younger siblings. She later relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where she worked as a cook and server at Shaker Lee Hall. It was there that her gift for cooking and her heart for serving others became evident. As the Word reminds us, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others" (1 Peter 4:10), and Evelyn truly lived this principle each day.

Evelyn's greatest joy was her family. She first welcomed her children Brady, Yolanda, Michael, and Clifford, and later met and married George Martin. Together, they were blessed with five more children: Toni, Kathy, Scott, George, and Rufus. Evelyn embraced her role as a homemaker, creating a warm and loving home, and ensuring her family was always cared for.

Her service extended far beyond her household. Evelyn dedicated herself to her community through food ministry. She managed the food bank, faithfully prepared meals for the City Mission, and for over 20 years was a devoted member of Cleveland Bethel Seventh Day Adventist Church. There, she served on various boards, supervised the food pantry, and embodied the scripture, "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink" (Matthew 25:35). Evelyn's kitchen was not only a place of nourishment but also a ministry of love.

Beyond service, Evelyn found joy in simple but meaningful pursuits such as fishing and gardening. Her garden overflowed with vegetables-tomatoes, peppers, squash, and more-which she delighted in cooking and sharing. Sundays in Evelyn's home were filled with family and friends gathered around her table, enjoying her meals and her generous spirit. She was known to send guests home with food, scarves, hats, or coats, ensuring that no one left empty-handed.

She is remembered for her sweet and gentle voice, always replying to "I love you" with "I love you more." Evelyn was remarkably strong and active; she could outwalk anyone, a testament to her energy and determination. She lived with honesty, integrity, and faith, guided by the Word of God. "The integrity of the upright guides them" (Proverbs 11:3), and Evelyn's life was a shining example of this truth.

Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George Martin Sr.; her children, Brady Clements and Kathy (Kitty) Martin; her granddaughter, Ciara; and siblings Mary (Tina), Clinton Clements Jr., Vivian Lawton, Curtis Clements, and Robert Lewis-Clements.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Yolanda Clements, Michael Clements, Clifford (Debra) Clements, Toni Martin, Scott (Tonya) Martin, George, and Rufus; her grandchildren Elijah, Evelyn (Reese), David, Rhonda (DC), Michael Jr. (Ronnitta), Nicole (Brandon), Jeremiah (Yvonne), Chasitie, Clifford Jr. (Jennifer), Trey, Paige, Brandi (Rick), Darius, Alexander, Douglas (Chaya), Megan, Matthew (Meachie), Alexus, Kathy (Summer), Ian, Lily, Nia, Rufus Jr., and Rashad; her siblings Annie Ruth Browning (New Jersey), Edna Smith (New York), Anna Collins (Virginia), Amelia Williams, Ulysses Clements, and Rosetta Clements (Cleveland, OH); along with a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Evelyn lived a life of service, honesty, and integrity, reflecting Christ's love to all who knew her. She loved the Word of God and kept her Bible close, drawing strength from its promises. Her life was a testimony of faith, family, and love.