Yvonne C. Martin had many experiences and blessings throughout her life. The first of many blessings came when she was born to Cleveland and Ruby Cannon on January 23, 1935 in Marion Alabama, and she received her final blessing when she was called to be with our Heavenly Father on September 2, 2017.

Yvonne, attended and graduated from Lincoln High in Marion, Alabama. After completion of high school, many doors of opportunity were open for her but she wanted the experience of working in the workforce and went to work in a factory plant for six years.

Yvonne had a zeal and love for God and accepted Jesus Christ at an early age.  She attended Mount Nebo AME Zion Church in Marion, Alabama with her family, and later went on to become a Sunday School teacher. Yvonne loved worshiping God and was a member of a delegate ensemble within the AME church and would traveled to different church conferences singing praises unto the Lord throughout the district and region.

 In 1956, she met her sweetheart L.C. Martin Sr., the couple was married the following year. Believing that there was so much more to life and better opportunities, Yvonne and L.C. Sr., relocated to Fort Wayne Indiana. Because of her loving heart and her bond to family, Yvonne encouraged her parents and other family members to relocate to Fort Wayne as well.

Under the guidance of her parents, Yvonne joined Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church in Ft. Wayne, Indiana under the leadership of the late Rev. Lee Wilson. Yvonne served on the usher board and several planning committees. She was a faithful, committed member until her health failed.

A woman of fortitude, wisdom and tenacity: Possessing a true servant’s heart, Yvonne faithfully loved, cared for and nurtured other people. She spent sixteen years as caregiver for an elderly woman providing company, support and meeting her basic needs.

Yvonne’s passion for others continued in her service has a Certified Nursing Assistant with St. Joseph Hospital in Ft Wayne Indiana. Yvonne understood that service to others was a ministry that she was called to and, as such, remained faithfully committed to her patients at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home for 22 years were she later retired.

Mother, Sister, Builder, Supporter and Friend, Yvonne leaves to cherish her memory eight children: Wade Martin, Larry (Lindsey) Martin, Jeanette Wedlow, Ruby (Herbert) Harrison, Arlene Martin, Wanda Martin and a very special niece, Cassandra Arrington, all residing in of Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

Siblings: Emma (Johnny) Braster, Mack (Linda) Cannon, James Earl Cannon, Willie Canon, Farry Lee Cannon all of Fort Wayne Indiana. Patricia Cannon and Theresa Cannon both of Columbus, Georgia, O.C. (Ada) Cannon of Cleveland, OH.

Preceding Yvonne in death are her parents Cleveland and Ruby Cannon; Sons L.C. Martin Jr and David Martin; granddaughter Tameika Suel, sister Lillie Mae Ford and brother Eddie Lee Cannon.

Yvonne will always be remembered as a compassionate mother and grandmother whose greatest passion was helping others. Her legacy lives on with her 30 grandchildren, 88 great grandchildren, 8 great great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends who loved her affectionately.

While continuing this life’s journey as a single woman, in the summer 1998 Yvonne’s life changed forever. In that she met her best friend, confidant, biggest supporter and the love of her life. Ernest J. Ingram, wanted nothing more than to support her and walk alongside Yvonne in life’s journey. Ernest remained faithful by her side nurturing and caring for Yvonne until the end.

Yvonne taught so many people how to live- life, fully, passionately, and courageously. She was a very kind, loving person who loved her family dearly. Known for her ease in frequent conversation with even total strangers, she embraced others with a smile and genuine concern. That same love and passion that she demonstrated to others was expressed back to her through her children as you could feel the compassion and love throughout her hospital room. Yvonne’s children remained by her bedside nurturing, and giving thanks to God until the very end.

Ernest and L.C., Sr., also remained a constant comfort and support to Yvonne and the children until the end. Yvonne’s passion for serving others also continued through her great niece, Valencia James, who assisted in caring for her during her time in Hospice care.

~Yvonne will be laid to rest in Lindenwood Cemetery~

 Service Information