Thomas S. Martin Sr.

THOMAS STANLEY MARTIN, affectionately known as “Stanlo”, born December 30, 1950, the only child of Mildred and Artis Martin, departed this life on Saturday, December 10, 2022. Thomas received a double lung transplant in 2011, after having contracted an incurable infection. God blessed him to enjoy more than 11 years of new life with those lungs. Born in the small town of Toccoa, Georgia, Thomas matriculated in the Stephens County school system and graduated from Toccoa High School in 1968. His mother, Mildred, was an elementary school teacher and, to his dismay, Thomas often found himself a student in her class. He was, therefore, very studious and well behaved. From age ten Tom was active in church school, both with regular attendance and with faithful work at Trinity CME Church. His father, Artis, was a 37-year employee of the famed Coates and Clarke Company where he provided exemplary service as the company chef. His parents were the source of Thomas’ extraordinary work ethic. Thomas began piano studies around age seven and continued through high school and into college. In 1968, he was a piano music semifinalist for the Governor’s Honors Program at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. He served as president of his junior class, was a member of the band, the chorus and of a local musical trio. His musical activities allowed him to fraternize and to become acquainted with James Brown and his son who were also from Toccoa. Thomas went on to become a Music Education major at Fort Valley State College, an HBCU in Georgia, where he often made the dean’s list and was a member of the men’s glee club, chorus, and stage band. He was also the piano accompanist for the orchestra and for the brass ensemble. Upon graduation from Fort Valley State College in 1973, he migrated to Washington, DC, to pursue a master’s degree in Music Education at Howard University. He wanted to share his love of music with our young people. However, in 1974, less than thrilled with the experience of student teaching, he accepted an offer to work for the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. He was a Charter Member and remained there for 36 years as a Xerographic Specialist until he fell ill in 2010. He had the Agency’s top clearance for handling secret documents. It was at this agency that Thomas met the love of his life, Gina. He never abandoned his love for music, though. As a member of Evangel Temple in Washington, DC, he sang second bass but was also given the honor of directing “The Hallelujah Chorus” and “Handel’s Messiah.” He often played complicated musical scores that put a demand on his many years of piano training. Having matriculated through all the rigorous bible education and training that Evangel required and provided, Thomas was later ordained a deacon by Pastor John Meares. While at Evangel, he also continued to exercise his prophetic gift; a gift that was originally confirmed at the early age of fourteen when he attended a summer bible study camp. In 1981, Thomas married Gina, his wife of nearly 42 years. To their union was born three sons. In 1991, the family became members of The New Covenant Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, where the children were baptized by Pastor Juanita E. Turner. Recognizing some of the many gifts God had blessed him with, Bishop Turner put Thomas and his wife to work. Later ordained a minister, he continued exercising his prophetic gift; and, together with Gina, was placed in leadership over the Tribe of Levi. They also served as leaders of the marriage ministry and hosted corresponding Sunday school classes to help strengthen families. With three sons of his own, Tom tried to keep them and other young men with whom he was acquainted, mentally engaged and challenged by fellowshipping with other fathers and sons on fishing and camping trips. In 2003, God called him to branch out where he was able to serve in another prophetic ministry. Together, Tom and Gina led the praise and worship team. He served as pianist and was able to further exercise his prophetic gifts as an ordained minister there as well. Thomas leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Gina Vandross Martin; three sons: Thomas Stanley Martin, Jr. (Shana) of Maryland; Christopher Martin of Maryland; Patrick Martin (Stephanie) of Maryland; six grandchildren: Nyimah, Donovan Thomas, Elijah, Isabella, Peighton, and Evan; one goddaughter: Amber; three godsons: Samuel, Brian Thomas and Christopher; three play daughters: Victoria, Tawana, and Winter; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, a slew of in-laws, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Thomas S. Martin Sr.

December 30, 1950 - December 10, 2022