Geneva Mae Martin (Lansing)

Mrs. Geneva Mae Martin went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 13, 2021, in Lansing, Michigan. Age 67 years. Geneva was born April 24, 1953, in Lansing, Michigan, to the union of Alton and Lucille Austin. She was the third of their four children.

Among the many things that she had to be proud of, one of her favorite stories to tell was that of when she was a lap baby and was held by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. when he was a young man and preaching here in Lansing, Michigan.

Geneva asked Jesus to be the Lord of her life at age 10. She was a very happy and energetic child; these were characteristics that would stay with her throughout life. Her love of school and learning took her from an education in the Lansing School District, to graduation from Eastern High School, an associate degree from Lansing Community College, and then to Michigan State University, where Geneva earned a bachelor’s and then a master’s degree.

She knew that teaching was a call on her life and taught in a private Christian school for 4 years, then public school for another 32 years. Geneva was a certified teacher in both Kansas and Michigan. She was recognized in the Lansing State Journal three times and spotlighted on CNN for her mastery in teaching skills. Geneva loved going to her church, Abundant Grace Faith Church, where she was active for as long as the Lord saw fit. Her time there was filled with quick lessons with adults before prayer, and at the nursing home that the church ministered. Geneva held the scripture Proverbs 15:15, near and dear to her heart, “All the days of the afflicted are evil; but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.” In the many churches she was associated, Geneva taught children’s church.

She lived, and loved a healthy lifestyle, including eating right, exercising daily at the gym, playing volleyball and riding her bike. She especially enjoyed riding and praying, Geneva said that it was a “great time to pray” because she rarely found anyone else to ride the distances she liked to go. She also enjoyed dancing and would dance for Jesus, do a cool salsa, put together a belly dance, and a good ballroom dance. Geneva adored people, laughing and talking, having a good time. She had many interests, including cars and shoes. Geneva LOVED the Lord with all her heart, more than anything.

Geneva was the wife of Theodore Martin, Jr. They were married for 25 years, until he passed away. Together they had 2 sons, Andre and Alex. Her sons, their wives, and their children, her beloved grandchildren, are Geneva’s pride and joy.

She leaves to cherish her memory, sons, Andre (Kyrai) Martin of Gary, Indiana and Alex (Jessica) Martin of East Lansing, Michigan; 3 grandchildren, DeAndre', KyLeah, and Lula; sister and best friend, Diane Hoskins; brother and homie, Justin (Diane) Austin of Lansing, Michigan; siblings, Charles (Audra) Carson of Lansing, Michigan and Donna Carson of Detroit, Michigan; and many more nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Geneva was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore; mother, Lucille Everette of Lansing, Michigan; father, Alton Austin of Lansing, Michigan; 2 stepmoms, Lucille Carson of Lansing, Michigan, and Patricia Austin of Lansing, Michigan; her older brother, Alvin Austin of Lansing, Michigan; and sister, Tina Wallace of Georgia.

The family would like to express special thanks to Pastors Louis & Pamela Dixon and the Abundant Grace Church Family, as well as the family and friends that have shown love and support during this time.