JOHN LEE MARTIN

John Lee Martin was born on Jan. 19, 1945, in Sumter County, a son of the late Elijah and Janie Small Martin. John departed this life on Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, at Sumter Health and Rehabilitation Center.

John's education began at Ebenezer School in Dalzell. He was employed as a truck driver with Ross Fuel and later at BD Plant and Crescent Tool. After retirement, he was employed at Tuomey Hospital. As a teenager, he was baptized at Joshua Baptist Church under the leadership of the Rev. S.J. Weston, where he was a member of the choir under the leadership of Brother Harvey Dyson and the usher board.

John leaves to cherish his loving memories: his wife, Alva Mae Jenkins Martin; three sons, Leroy Martin of Maine, Johnny Martin Jr. (Thelma) and Gregory Martin of the home; one brother, Elijah Martin Jr. of New York; one sister, Louise Jenkins (James) of Sumter; one adopted brother, Darryl (Chelyl) Keith; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Minister James H. Jenkins and James A. Jenkins of Sumter; three sisters-in-law, Thelma Vaughn of Dalzell, the Rev. Jannette Jenkins of Sumter and Mildred Mathew of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In accordance with COVID-19 guidelines, the family is requesting face masks and social distancing be observed by relatives and friends during visitation at the home, 2690 Yank Haven Drive, Sumter.

Funeral services will be held at noon today in the John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter, with the Rev. Eugene G. Dennis, pastor of Joshua Baptist Church, eulogist, assisted by the Rev. William Jefferson. Burial will follow in the Joshua Baptist Churchyard Cemetery, 5200 Live Oak Road, Dalzell.

Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter. Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr.com. Visit us on the web at www.WilliamsFuneralHomeInc.com.