Norma D. Martin

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 9, 2021, at Miramar Cultural Arts Center.  Bishop David Simpson of the Charismatic Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, will officiate. Visitation will be held Thursday, July 8, 2021, from 5-9 p.m. at Fred Hunter’s Funeral Home, 6301 Taft St., Hollywood, Fl.  Burial will follow the funeral service at Hollywood Memorial Gardens North at 12:45 pm.  Funeral arrangements are being handled by Fred Hunter’s Funeral Services.

Norma had been a resident of Miramar for 39 years.  Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Norma migrated to the United States 43 years ago.  In Jamaica, Norma had worked with the Government of Jamaica for 12 years.  She married Carlton Martin December 6, 1958, and they were married for almost 63 years.

Here, Norma earned an Associate Degree from Miami-Dade College in 1984, after having earned her High School Equivalency Diploma in 1981.  Ever conscious of being well-rounded, both professionally and personally, Norma earned a certificate in Medical Record Transcription from Sheridan Vocational Technical Center, in 1990.

 In 2003, after a 10-year tenure at SunTrust Bank, Norma retired from the workplace.  Thereafter, she immersed herself into community building and activism.  “Miss Norma”, (as she was affectionately known), was tirelessly active in the City of Miramar and the surrounding communities:   

President - Miramar Park Homeowners’ Group (Historic Miramar District 5).

In 2010, The Miramar Homeowners' Group was honored at the 35th Annual Conference of the “Neighborhood of the Year” in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Group was a National Finalist and several members, including Norma, traveled there to receive the honor.

2003 –Recruited by a Crime Watch Group (Fairway Walkers), accompanied by representatives from the Miramar Police and Code Enforcement departments.

2007-Officially incorporated the “Miramar Park Homeowners’ Group, Inc.” (Subsequently, the group partnered with the Miramar Police department to participate in annual “National Night Out” events.)

2008 – Incorporated the Neighborhood Beautification and Streetscape projects. This revitalization effort initialed a Tree Lighting Ceremony in December, 2008, and heralded the annual celebration of “Caribbean-American Heritage” month in June, at Norma’s church.

2009 - Initiated Miramar’s First Tree Lighting (annual) event at Fairway Park through a partnership with the City, neighborhood schools and businesses.

2010 – Collaborated with the Adopt-a-Street and Canal Clean-up Programs.

Partnered with and participated in the efforts of the Miramar Community Garden activities.

Passionately supported the local schools in Miramar: Fairway Elementary, Miramar High, Everglades High

Fervently supported the Miami Deaf Center

Avidly supported the Legacy Learning Foundation

Miss Norma received many awards and accolades over the years, namely:

2021 – Lifetime Achievement Award: Legacy Learning Foundation – for her vision and work in founding and managing the Caribbean Heritage Month Program

2020 -Proclamation – Norma Martin Day, Jan. 28, 2020-Broward County Commission-for community work in the broader community of Broward County

2018 - Community Service award from Mayor Wayne Messam

2013 - Wall of Honor: City of Miramar - a Lasting Tribute for her dedication to the City and her community-building work

2012 - Nominee for African-American Achievers Award - JM Family Enterprises -for her efforts in making a positive difference in the community

Norma is survived by her husband, Carlton; daughters: Marcia and Audrey; grandchildren: Camille, Adrienne, Deja, Halima, Ibrahim; siblings: Leon, Grennett, Diedre, Dorrel, Michelle; nieces, nephews, and a village of family and friends.

Norma is preceded in death by her parents:  Edley and Cartagena Service;

and brothers, Derrick and Marcel.

Norma loved the City of Miramar passionately, and her pride of living within the community is reflected in her signature remark:

“Remember, it’s not what your city can do for you, but what you can do for your city!”

In 2015, Norma wrote the words of the song, “O Miramar, O Miramar!”, (adopting the lyrics of “America the Beautiful”, as a reminder to us, and as a beautiful tribute to the diversity of the city, strength of her people and beauty as a place to work, play and raise our families.

We will forever love her and will continue to honor her by carrying on her legacy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the following entities/organizations: 

Everglades High School Chorus

Fairway Elementary VPK Program

Legacy Learning Foundation, Inc

Miami Deaf Center

Miramar Community Garden

Please contact [email protected] for additional information.

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The family of Norma Martin wishes to thank the following significant organizations:

Mayor Wayne Messam - City of Miramar

Commissioner Barbara Sharief - Broward County

Patti Good - Broward County School Board

Bishop David Simpson - Church Family: Church of the Resurrection

The Tracey Family - Legacy Learning Foundation Foundation, Inc.

The Miramar Park Homeowners’ Group

Miramar Police and Fire Rescue Departments & the entire village at the City of Miramar