Mrs. Martha Toran

On Jan 16, 2016, Milwaukee lost a beloved community leader and minority business pioneer, Mrs. Martha Toran. She was born to the late Chester and Ola Wood on July 13, 1931 in Harrell, Arkansas. Martha moved to Milwaukee as a teen and graduated from North Division High School. On March 25, 1950, Martha married James Toran, the love of her life. Their union produced two children Sandra and James Jr. Martha and James were business pioneers, owning the first African- American establishment north of Locust Street, Toran's Tropical Hut or Toran's as it was affectionately called. For many decades, it was "the networking spot" for educators, professional athletes, elected officials, business men and women, community activists and just regular folks. Toran's was the "incubator" for most of the legislation affecting the black community from the late 1950's until the late 1980's. Martha was proud to be the keeper of the trust for many movers and shakers and issues affecting the black community. Martha, a multi-dimensional person, was passionate about voting rights and increasing minority economic power. She was a lifelong member of the Democratic Party a delegate to several national conventions and highly honored to be an invited guest to the inaugurations of Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Increasing minority voter participation was dear to her heart. While serving on the Board of Directors of the NAACP, Martha organized voter registration drives, get -out -the vote campaigns, candidate forums, and voter education activities. Martha believed we had to look beyond the negatives and get involved to make a difference. Martha's community service and business outreach was extensive. She helped found Community Brainstorming and remained a board member for more than two decades. She never missed a Saturday meeting until her failing health made it no longer possible. She served on numerous other boards that supported her goals to improve the quality of life and provide second chances for others. Martha was a vital board member of Legal Action of Wisconsin, Transit Now (where she served as Chair of the Central City Transit Taskforce), River west Development Corporation, Milwaukee Ethics Board, State Tourism Advisory Taskforce, Great Lakes Beverage Association, the Minority Chamber of Commerce the Social Development Commission, Inner City Arts Counsel and many, many more. Martha was a woman of strong faith and enjoyed a real and personal relationship with God. Her faith sustained her through all of her challenges. She remained positive, strong and continued to fight the good fight of faith. She made the most of every day given to her and always managed a smile and a little something to make you laugh. She was a proud, lifelong member of Greater Galilee Baptist Church. Martha was preceded in death by her esteemed parents, beloved husband and treasured siblings. She leaves to cherish her memory, devoted children Sandra Toran Butler and James E. (Katrinka), Toran, loving siblings Pauline Riddock of Harrell, AR., Marie Lockett and Joyce Allen of Milwaukee, dear grandchildren, Robert Toran Butler of Milwaukee, Kim (Patrick), Bradley of Charlotte, N.C, John Brown, Sharon Fields, Dawn (Rand~) Simmons of Atlanta, GA, faithful god-daughter, Vicki (Jeffrey) Williamson and adored great -grandchildren. She will also be sncerely missed by a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Mrs. Martha Toran

July 13, 1931 - January 16, 2016