Willie Mae Martin

Willie Mae (Rumley) Martin passed away April 15, 2021.

Jurisdictional Missionary Willie Mae (Rumley) Martin. was born December 19, 1946 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Will Rumley, Sr. and Rosie Lee (Reed) Rumley. She was educated in the New Orleans School system, where she graduated from McDonald 35 high school before moving to Des Moines, Iowa. Willie Mae furthered her education attending Drake University where she attained a bachelors in Human studies and then a Masters in Social Work from University of Iowa in 1998. Her education and experience made way for her to serve in executive positions. She was an Executive Director of various non profits for the city of New Orleans and Des Moines.

While she was getting her education she found time for love. She married Louis G. Martin Sr in 1971, and they started building a life together. The marriage was blessed with two children, Brian E and Amber Martin. Sadly Willies son and husband would both precede her in death.

Willie was always rooted and grounded in the Lord. She gave her life to Christ at an early age. She and her husband , the late Pastor Louis Gene Martin were the founding members of Emmanuel COGIC. They started Emmanuel COGIC in the basement of their home at 3823 Amherst Drive in 1987 with a just a few saints. Willie served at Emmanuel COGIC until shortly after her husbands death in 1998. Willie decided to move back to New Orleans in 2000. Willie shared, she initially wanted to hide in the church. Be a worker for the Lord, But silently. God said , Not so! Upon moving back to New Orleans, she became a member of Power and Deliverance COGIC in New Orleans; under the leadership of Bishop Gerald Hawkins. Willie was appointed and served as the Jurisdictional Missionary for Louisiana Eastern 2nd Jurisdiction. She later move to Wylie, Texas with her daughter where she attended Faith Pointe COGOC. She never stopped serving the Lord or Gods people.

And serve she did! A typical Proverbs 31 woman, Mother Martin worked tirelessly to bring Christ to the lost. She held many titles in the church throughout her life: Sunday School teacher, Bible Study teacher, Young Womens Christian Council (YWCC) President, Missions Assistant President (where she, along with Mother Rose Kaiser worked unfalteringly running the womens prison Ministry), Sewing Circle President, District Missionary, Pastors Wife, Jurisdictional Missionary just to name a few.

When Mother Martin wasnt churching she enjoyed spending time with her family, hanging with the saints, and traveling to church conferences. She always loved the people others would think to overlook and oooh.. could Mother wear a hat!

Mother Willie Mae Martin left this earth for glory on April 15, 2021. She was greeted on the other side by her husband, Pastor Martin and son, Brian, her parents, Will and Rose Rumley; her siblings, Mary Lee Carrere and Milo Hayes. She leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Amber Martin of Wylie, Texas; four grandchildren, Erica Bonds, Craig Hunt, D'Andrea Brown and D'Andre Brown; three great grandchildren; six siblings, nieces, nephews, church family and community whom she loved dearly. .

Homegoing Celebration

Saturday, May 1, 2021

12pm

East 17th Street Church of God In Christ

1639 E. University Ave. - Des Moines, Iowa 50316

Interment with a 2nd line New Orleans marching band will be held at Glendale Cemetery Immediately following service.

*CDC guidelines will be followed during the Visitation and Homegoing Celebration. Social Distancing will be observed.

*This service will be made available via Facebook Live on the Henderson's Highland Park Funeral Home's Facebook page (@hendersonsfuneralhome) on Saturday, May 1, 2021 beginning at 12pm. Please "Like" or "Follow" our page for access.Homegoing Celebration









Saturday, May 1, 2021

Starts at 12:00pm









Kings of Kings Missionary Baptist Church