Service Details
A service for Zannie will be held at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Following the service, the burial will take place at Graceland Cemetery.
Zannie Bell Martin, age 86, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, in Racine, Wisconsin. He was affectionately known to many as Zannie B. “Butch” or “BeBe”.
Born on January 13, 1940, in Taylor, Mississippi, Zannie was the beloved son of Kermit Martin and Mae Etta Martin (née Fondren). After spending his early years in Mississippi, he later lived in Florida and New York before eventually settling in Racine, where he built a life rooted in hard work, family, and community.
Zannie dedicated 25 years to his work as a welder at Racine Steel Castings, taking pride in his work while providing for his loved ones. He retired in 1990.
Outside of work, Zannie embraced life with style and joy. He enjoyed the company of his family and friends, driving nice cars, collecting jewelry, cooking his favorite foods, walking at the Regency Mall, thrifting at local Goodwill stores, listening to music at the Racine lakefront, viewing live entertainment at the Potawatomi Casino, fishing, playing pool, and listening to political talk shows. He was known to be a great dancer in his younger years. Always sharply dressed for special occasions, Zannie carried himself with confidence, charm, and a calm demeanor. He was kind and generous to everyone he met.
To cherish his memory, Zannie leaves his children, Danny (Shavila) Martin, Lisa Cook (Martin), and Jason Martin; his sisters, Bernice (David) Wilson and Earlene Egerson; his beloved grandchildren, Ishaan Martin, Lauryn Cook, and Lawrence Cook; and Bonus children, Lori, Vickie, Michael. He will also be remembered by many friends, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and extended family members.
Zannie was preceded in death by his parents, Kermit Martin and Mae Etta Martin; brothers and sisters, Arnold “Mickey” Martin, Charles M. Martin, Lillie Mae Luster, Queen “QV” Tyson, Frank Lynn Martin, and Earlie Mae Briscoe.
Zannie’s presence, spirit, and love for family will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Eddie and Cindy Martin says
May your memories bring you comfort in the days to come and may he rest in peace.
Love Always
Sheila Egerson says
“Rest in peace, Uncle Zannie B! You were a constant light in my life, and I will cherish our memories from your weekly weekend visit to Boston Store at Regency Mall to see me and laugh and talk forever.”
RIP 💔🕊️🙏🏾
Love you,
~Sheila Egerson
Earlene Egerson says
A letter to my Brother Zannie B in Heaven… They say there is a reason; they say time will heal; neither time or reason will change the way I feel! Gone are the days we used to share, but in my heart you are always there. The many, many memories will never close. I miss you more than anybody knows! Love and miss you everyday. Always & Forever! RIP 💔🙏🏾
Your sister Earlene Egerson
The Egerson Family says
A Poem for our Uncle Zannie B…
God looked around his garden and found an empty place. He then looked down on earth and saw your tired face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb, so he closed your weary eyes and whispered peace be upon you! It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone, for part of us went with you the day God called you home! We will miss you Uncle Zannie B! 💔 🕊️
Love always Sheila, Shawn, Stanley and Earlene
Minnie Jackson says
Rest in peace Zannie. You were one of a kind, loved and respected by your family
Michelle (Briscoe) Jutley says
Rest in peace sweet uncle.
Thank you for being so kind.
You’re joining a great group of angels in Heaven
Love you!❤️
Laura Knudsen says
So sorry to hear about Zannie. I enjoyed working with him in PT in the home and he always made me laugh. Really nice person. My sincere condolences.
Laura Knudsen says
So sorry to hear about Zannie. I enjoyed working with him in PT in the home and he always made me laugh. He was a Really nice person. My sincere condolences.
Giselle Briscoe says
Uncle Zannie B, you will truly be missed. Give my mom a hug when you reunite with her!
I love you uncle!
Denise Luster says
You will be missed Uncle Zannie B. You were always so kind and funny. Give everyone in heaven and kiss from me! Love you- Denise
Patricia Tyson says
Rest in Heaven my father’s brother.
Joe Ann Martin ( your ex ) says
To BB with Love, Red..We’ve had a long history together and we gotten threw it.We still remain friends 🧡. I opened my home to you, when you needed care, four years ago up until the present .I tried to honor your 2 wishes, but unfortunately things didn’t go your way. You wanted to close your eyes at home with me and Scotty at your side. And you didn’t want to die alone. I tried Lord knows I tried.I just want to thank all the people’s who were also helping. Nurse Jackie, it was GOD, that sent her that day when you past out.Also Laura, who always brought a smile to your face when she came for PT.Also I just want to thank my family for being there 🙏 when we needed help.Ricky Martin, Christopher Green, Felicia Green, Lori Green, Vickie Ferris. God Bless you all. BB is at peace no more pain. Rest Baby, we all love ❤️ you.
Tyson family in ohio says
Rest in peace uncle zannie.we will miss you. We love you.
Lori green says
It is so hard for me to accept the fact that I’ll NEVER physically see ur face nor hear your voice.. I’ve been on this earth for 55 years and 52 of them have been amazing with you there as my father figure, I’m so thankful I have some great memories to hold on too, I swear to you I’ll never forget you, u will FOREVER live in my heart.. I’m sooo sorry I lied to you and told you I’ll see u later not knowing that would be the last time I ever see u BB my heart is hurting so bad right now no one would ever understand .. I want u to rest now ok !! I love u dad !!! 💔💔🕊️🕊️
Christopher & Felecia Green says
Condolences
Hattie nicks says
Fannie an I were friends always had that beautiful smile when ever zannie going were around u going to have fun.
Jeff&Yvette stewart says
With deep sympathy, we off of our heartfelt condolences on your loss of your brother, praying for you and the family in Jesus name.