Service Details
Homegoing Celebration for Curtis Martin Jr. will be held at Little Macedonia COGIC, 3309 Kearney Avenue, Mt. Pleasant WI 53403 on FRIDAY, MAY 29th, 2026. Viewing is at 10:00am and Service is at 11:00 am with Pastor Jeffrey Goodman officiating. Interment will take place in Graceland Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Miracle Center, 1100 Grand Avenue, Racine, WI 53403.
Deacon Curtis Martin Jr, age 91, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 15, 2026 peacefully in the comfort of his home.
Curtis was born on March 27,1935 in Taylor, Mississippi, to the late Curtis Martin Sr. and Lellar (nee: Carothers) Martin. He was the eldest of ten children. After graduating from Weem High school in 1952 he moved to Racine, WI the following year.
He became gainfully employed at J.I. Case January 16th, 1956 for thirty-five years, until retirement. During his time of employment Curtis also opened his own auto and salvage company, Martin’s Auto Service. His company is recognized as one of the first two black-owned salvage companies in Racine, WI.
Early in life Curtis accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and became a faithful member of Little Macedonia Church of God in Christ. He became a dedicated deacon for 61 years, served on the board of trustees, and became president of YPWW for many years. It was at church in 1985 Curtis met the love of his life, Patricia Ann Martin. They were united in holy matrimony on January 11, 1986. From this union Curtis and Patricia had one daughter, Paige Adrienne Martin. Curtis also fathered 10 older children from his first marriage: Billie, Virginia, Carolyn, Jeff, Napoleon, Richard, Keith, Michael, Jessie Ray, and Eric Martin.
In addition to church and family life, Curtis enjoyed antique car shows, traveling, yardwork for home and church; but more than anything he loved spending time with family and friends.
Curtis is survived by his daughters Paige (Edward Gamble) and Virginia Ann Martin. He is also survived by his sons: Billie, Richard, Michael (Rene), Eric (Missy) all of Racine, WI. He is also survived by Jeff and Keith (April) of Atlanta, Georgia and Napoleon Martin of Oakland, CA. He is also survived by many grandchildren, greats, and great-greats, too numerous to name. He is survived by his sisters Lelia Carothers, and Frances Ramsey of Racine, WI. And he is survived by his brother, Hubert (Niecey) Martin of Racine, WI. He is survived by brother-in-law James (Elores) Chones of Cleveland, Ohio, sister-in-law, Sylvia Hargrove of Little Rock, Arkansas, Julia martin of Racine, Wi and Yvonne Chones of Merrillville, Indiana. He is also survived by his favorite nephew, Darvin Martin, Racine, WI.
In addition to his parents, Curtis was preceded in death by his loving wife Patricia Ann Martin, daughter Carolyn Martin and son Jessie Ray Martin and brothers, Joel, Edward, and Carvin Martin, and sisters, Shirley, Ossie, and Reatha Martin, brother-in-law Marvin Chones of Merrillville Indiana, and Albert Woods, sisters in law Jacqueline Woods Jesse Mae Martin, Dorothy Rae Martin and Sherry Chones of Racine, WI. He was also preceded by his special cousin Charles Martin and brother in Christ James Ollie McCoy and special nephew David Martin.
A special thanks to Crystal Hall, Princess Gray, Bunney Gray, Dartavia Martin, Venice King, Howdy, the entire Lue & Gamble Family, Shakiya Hall and Horizon Palliative/Hospice Team for assisting with caring for Curtis we deeply appreciate your time and compassion you all gave.
Homegoing Celebration for Curtis Martin Jr. will be held at Little Macedonia COGIC, 3309 Kearney Avenue, Mt. Pleasant WI 53403 on FRIDAY, May 29, 2026. Viewing is at 10:00am and Service is at 11:00 am with Pastor Jeffrey Goodman officiating. Interment will take place in Graceland Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Miracle Center, 1100 Grand Avenue, Racine, WI 53403.
Sign the Guestbook