Mrs. Mabel Joyce Martin

Mabel Joyce Martin was born on April 1, 1928 to the union of Poneva Vernon and Charles Williams, Jr. in Arcadia, Louisiana. Mabel received her formal education from Crawford Elementary/ High School in Arcadia. Mabel moved to Milwaukee and in 1952 was united in matrimony with Horace Martin. The family expanded with Mabel and Horace doting on, and raising two children, John Christopher and Sherri Joyce, along. with daughter Callie Faye Germany who resides in California. The family became members of St. Martk A.M.E. Church, where Mabel was an active member for more than 60 years. Mabel obtained a Bachelor's Degree in elementary education as well as a Master's Degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Mabel also held a lifetime teaching license for grades K -6, an elementary school principal's license and an education director coordinator!supervisor's license. Mabel began her career in 1965 as a Head Start teacher at Northcott Neighborhood House. She went on to teach preschool for Day Care Services for Children lnc at the Kathryn Baird Center and later was named coordinator at Rose S. Aaron's Center. Mabel joined Milwaukee Public Schools and taught Kindergarten at Hayes Elementary School from 1969-1974. The MPS board of directors appointed her as an elementary school supervisor in 19 followed by Head Start program director in 1980. Anyone who knew Mabel knew that she loved music. Mabel served many roles at her church, such as Sunday school and day care teacher; however, her passion was fulfilled in her many roles within the music department, including working with the great Professor "Poppa" J. Howard Offutt. For many years, Mabel was also in charge of presenting the annual Christmas Cantata. Later, she was director of the Anvil Choir and the Women's Ensemble. Mabel was also active in the community as a member of the National Head Start Directors Association, Wisconsin Head Start Directors Association, Pi Lambda Theta (a national professional sorority) and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In 1994, Mabel was listed in the directory of Who's Who in American Education. Mabel transitioned from labor to reward on Saturday, June 3,2017. She is preceded in death by her husband, Horace; and son, Chris; as well as her sister, Evangelist Lucille Taylor. Left to cherish her memories are: daughters, Sherri and Callie Faye (James) Germany; grandchildren, Destry Germany, Kecia Germany and Demetric Germany of Hayward, CA; great grandchildren,James Barboza of San Francisco, CA, Demetric James Germany of Sacramento, CA, Ayana Germany of Oakland, CA and Demetriana Germany of Hayward, CA; great-:great grandchildren, Caleb Barboza of Castro Valley, CA,Jordan Germany and Peyton Barboza, both of San Francisco, CA, and a host of nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

Mrs. Mabel Joyce Martin

April 1, 1928 - June 3, 2017