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.
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