Elneray Bazemore Martin

Elneray Bazemore Martin, a beacon of love and compassion, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, at the tender age of 91. She was called home to be with the Lord at 5:55 am at Northwest Hospital. ELNERAY, born on a farm in Aulander, North Carolina, was one of twelve siblings. As her parents were sharecroppers, she was taught to pick cotton and corn from a young age. She graduated from John B. Bond High School, Class of ’51. At the age of 23, she embarked on a new chapter in her life by moving to Baltimore, Maryland and was blessed with her first child Gloria Diggs. On October 31, 1959, she exchanged vows with George Louis, through their union they were blessed with Tracy and Kathy, and they remained devoted to each other until his passing on May 29, 1978. Elneray also took her grandchildren, Craig and Marsha, under her wing and raised them as her own in the midst of Gloria’s passing September 23, 1996. Elneray’s life was filled with travel and cherished family reunions. She would often visit loved ones in various parts of Virginia and Philadelphia, creating unforgettable memories together. Before she truly found her niche, she worked at London Fog in the warehouse, Rosewood with mental health children, and Woodbourne Center. Her impact on people was profound, as she dedicated her life to caring for the sick and disabled as a nurse’s assistant and retired as a compassionate caregiver and companion. When she was home, Elneray found solace in her favorite activities. She was beloved for her active involvement in her neighborhood, particularly on the 5600 block of Wesley Avenue. She was known to organize block parties, organize trips, and exchange fresh fruits and vegetables with her neighbors from her garden. She would spend her days cooking delicious meals, baking desserts as she was known for her Sensational Sweet potato pie, tending to her garden, sharing witty jokes, engaging in meaningful conversations with friends and family, or immersing herself in her spiritual practices, singing, reading her Bible, and writing heartfelt prayers. Her favorite holiday was Christmas as she enjoyed the festivities, the lights, and most importantly reminiscing on the reason for the season. She was known for her remarkable clairvoyance, often experiencing vivid memories dreams that foreshadowed future events. Elneray’s faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she actively participated in the choir and deaconess ministries at Gospel Tabernacle Baptist Church where she joined in 1978. Through her singing and fellowship with her church family, she glorified the Lord and brought joy to everyone around her. Her love for music was infectious, and she would sing with passion and devotion, as inspired by the words of Corinthians 15:58. Elneray is survived by: her sister, Erma Ford; daughters, Gloria Diggs (preceded her in death 1996), Tracy and Kathy Martin; sisters-in-law, Sheila Martin, Lois and Bonnie Bazemore; her grandchildren, Craig, Jerrell, Terrance, Marsha, Djuan, Jamal and Krystian; seven great-grandchildren, her nieces and nephews, and a vast network of cousins.

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Elneray Bazemore Martin

April 27, 1933 - December 31, 2024