Lilly Martin was born on April 25, 1924 in the city of Hazelhurst, Mississippi. She was the fourth child born to Leland Mitchell and Alice C. (Phillips) Mitchell. Later in her life, she met her soul mate and the love of her life, Rev. Waldo Ralph Martin, and they were married February 23, 1957. They spent 47 years together in holy matrimony.

Lilly believed strongly in the benefits of a good education. She continued to educate herself by attending bible college (under the leadership of Rev. Protho), and thus,  became an avid bible scholar. She spent many years as a member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, teaching the word of God as a Sunday school teacher, and serving on the Missionary Board. Later onher journey to fulfill her desire to please God, she joined Christ Temple Apostolic Ministries and received the gift of the Holy Spirit by being baptized in Jesus’s name. Lilly was a hard worker. After retiring from Old World Bakery, she decided to become an entrepreneur and became the owner of the Westside Groceries. Lilly also excelled in cooking, baking, and bowling and had many trophies displayed in her home.

In 2005, she relocated to San Jose, California to live with her devoted son, James C. Henley, and his wonderful wife, Estelle Henley. They took such amazing care of her until she transcended this earthly world and found rest in God’s eternity on July 31, 2020. Her parents, Leland and Alice; one sister, Roosevelt (Rose) Mitchell, and two brothers, J.F. and Philip Jim Mitchell, preceded her into eternity.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories: her devoted son, James (Estelle) Henley of San Jose, CA; three grandchildren, Ronnie R. Henley of Michigan City, IN, Stacey Henley-Brown (Kenny) of San Jose, CA, and Jamie Henley of San Jose, CA; three great-grandchildren: Channing Henley of Michigan City, IN and Jalen and Sofia Montgomery of San Jose, CA; a special niece, Carlotta Adams and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Memorial Hour will be 10am, Monday, August 10, 2020 at Coleman & Hicks Chapel. Services will be for the immediate family. The family request the CDC guidelines with social distancing and facial masks are mandated to be worn.