Madelin Russell Martin

Madelin Russell Martin was born June 1, 1944 and went to be with the Lord January 15, 2024 at the age of 79. Madelin was born to Keziah and Michael Russell in Thornton, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. She was affectionately known as “Wegeta”. She enjoyed spending time with her siblings, gathering mangoes, going to the river, playing handball and much more. She had a strong personality and was considered a tough cookie at times. As a child she attended school in Thornton and also went to Thornton Presbyterian Church. Madelin graduated from Spanish Town School and spent most of her time in Spanish Town after high school.

Eventually, Madelin moved to Kingston and bought a house there. She was a hardworking person with a positive outlook on life. She worked as a vendor, welder, hairdresser, gardener, photographer and overall was an all around hustler. Madelin had four kids in Jamaica: Marcia, Trevor, Dawn and Lisa.

Madelin immigrated to the United States in 1981. Her sister, Margaret filed for her in Ohio. Madelin filed for her kids and a lot of her family in this country. She first lived on Penrose then moved to Forest Hill Avenue. in East Cleveland. Madelin married Clive in 1984 and had her daughter Antonia the same year. They were married three years. Madelin enjoyed fixing up her house. She did her bathroom in the basement. She also enjoyed family and being in her garden. Madelin became a naturalized citizen September 15, 1995. She worked as a Nursing Assistant at Mt. St. Joseph until she retired at 69.

Madelin is remembered for her New Year’s Eve parties and her dancing. She loved playing dominoes with her family and friends almost every weekend. She was a wicked (awesome) domino player. She cooked great food and was a mother to plenty of others around her. She was a volunteer in the Shaw Band Booster Club for her daughter, Antonia and helped with students. She helped some of her family get on their feet by allowing them to stay with her. Madelin had a strong faith and attended Calvary Presbyterian Church since she was in America. She attended with her mother, Keziah and two sisters, Sylveta (Seta) and Margaret. She was a charter member at New Life At Calvary.

Madelin was preceded in death by; her son, Trevor Shields; great-granddaughter, Jamaica Jones; siblings, Selecita, Octavia, Eugenia, Cicely (Ciclyn), Martin and Octie; and son-in-law, Ephraim Laidley Sr. She is survived by; her four daughters, Marcia, AnnMarie (Harvey), Lisa and Antonia (Sabastian); step-daughter, Janice Martin-Garrett; siblings, Oswald, Alfred, Altie, Margaret and Sylveta (Seta); and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A visitation for Madelin will be held Friday, January 26, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cummings & Davis Funeral Home, 13201 Euclid Avenue, East Cleveland, Ohio 44112. A wake will occur Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM, 13201 Euclid Avenue, East Cleveland, Ohio 44112. A funeral service will occur Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 2:30 PM, 13201 Euclid Avenue, East Cleveland, Ohio 44112. An interment private will occur Monday, January 29, 2024.