Eddie Bennett Martin

Eddie Bennett Martin was born June 1, 1922, in Jenkinsville, South Carolina to his parents Martha and Thomas Martin. He departed this life for his heavenly home on Saturday, December 8th. He was the eleventh of twelve children and the youngest son. Eddie attended the elementary schools in Jenkinsville before relocating to Harrisburg, PA at the tender age of 13. Eddie completed his secondary education at William Penn High School. While there he enjoyed playing basketball. Eddie would attend his high school reunions quite frequently. After graduating from high school, Eddie enlisted in the United States Army where he served well for three years until he received an honorable discharge. He is a veteran of World War II, serving in Rennes, France and he learned to speak French fluently while stationed in that country. Eddie graduated from Thomas Edison State University with a Degree in Criminal Justice. During his career, he has worked for several employers including the National Government, Welfare Association, and The Thomas Nestles Publishers. Eddie was employed as a Security Manager at Rutgers, New Jersey State University until he retired in 1983 after twenty-one years of faithful service. After retirement, Eddie became a Substitute Teacher in the New Brunswick Educational System. He thoroughly enjoyed teaching and continued until he was 80 years old. Eddie remained active in the Silver Knights Rutgers University Staff Retirees Association. Additionally, Eddie was faithfully involved in a prison ministry at the Mid-State Correctional Institution in Fort Dix, New Jersey. On August 14, 1954, Eddie became wedded to Maggie Louise Evans. They were introduced by Eddie’s niece, Jean Eubanks Williams. Eddie and Maggie lived in Brooklyn, NY prior to relocating to Piscataway, NJ in 1959. As their family continued to grow, they later relocated to Somerset, NJ where they have resided for over fifty years. Eddie is the Father of four children; Harvey, Kenneth, Gregory and Joan. Eddie was indeed a family man; a very devoted Husband and Father. He was a great provider and protector of his family. Eddie and Maggie celebrated 64 years of marriage this year. They were true examples of the love two people can give to each other. They have been dedicated Christians all their married life. The Martins had a beautiful life together, raised their children in the fear of the Lord and traveled extensively to numerous countries. He was very active in the Church of God for numerous years dating back to Tompkins Avenue Church of God in Brooklyn, NY. Additionally, Eddie served faithfully at both the Community Church of God in Plainfield, NJ and Elizabeth Church of God in Elizabeth, NJ for countless years. Eddie was always involved musically at the church he attended. In June 1998, Eddie joined First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, NJ. Eddie was active in the Seniors Ministry and enjoyed ministering in the Senior Choir. His passion was music as a pianist and a melodious baritone. This great love for music was evident in his gospel and classical renditions at church, cultural and social affairs. Additionally, Eddie was a member of the National Association of Negro Musicians where he also offered his fine singing abilities. He looked forward to attending the Ministers and Musician Guild at Hampton University annually to sing in the choir. Eddie was a loving and kind man, a gentle giant with a very strong presence in the church and community at large. Simply stated, Eddie was a Christian gentleman of character, wisdom, faith, class, dignity and integrity whose family was second to none but God!! He leaves a great legacy by the Christian life he lived before all. The footsteps of this righteous man were ordered by God and now his soul is at rest. Left to cherish his memory are his lovely wife Maggie Louise; three sons; Harvey Martin (Marlene), Bishop. E. Kenneth Martin (Estelle), Gregory Martin (Cassondra) and one daughter, Joan Martin; grandchildren: five granddaughters, Nicole, Chalana, Tiara (Stanley), Marina, Brianna and one grandson, Joshua; four great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Norelle, Arian, Jonah, six sisters-in-law; Phyllis Franklin, Julia Purnell, Louvenia “Bebe” Major (Bill), Shirley Brooks (Lawrence- “deceased”), Carol Evans, Sandra Asanya and a host of nieces and nephews. Eddie was predeceased by his parents, Martha and Thomas Martin, six sisters; Gladys, Estelle, Lillie-Mae, Rose, Elease and Mamie; five brothers, Thomas, Joseph, Johnny, James and Samuel. “And now abideth faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.” Viewing is from10-11am, Friday, December 14, at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, 771 Somerset St., Somerset. Funeral Services will follow at 11am, at church. Burial will be held at Franklin Memorial Park, No. Brunswick.

Eddie Bennett Martin

June 1, 1922 - December 8, 2018