Wesley V. Martin

Wesley V Martin, born on June 27, 1942, in R.F.D. Courtland, Mississippi, passed away on February 10, 2025, at the age of 82. A resident of Yuma, Arizona, Wesley's life was marked by dedication, learning, and love for nature.

He graduated from South Panola High School and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts from The Mississippi Industrial College and Southeast Missouri State University, respectively. On May 18, 1965, Wesley married Bobbie Nell Adams Martin, beginning a partnership that would span decades.

Wesley had a distinguished career with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, serving as a Regional Director for 34 years. Wesley also had a second career as an Educator for Yuma Union High School District at Kofa High School and also served as a Substitute Teacher at Cibola High School and Gila Ridge High School.

His personal interests were as varied as they were passionate, including a love for nature and wildlife, Westerns, photography, science, learning, and sports, with a special fondness for baseball and NASCAR.

Wesley was preceded in death by his father, John Wesley Martin; mother, Martha Mae Sanford Martin; and brothers, Walter Martin and Teddy Martin.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Bobbie Nell Adams Martin; brother, Sandy Martin; and sons, Jeffrey Allen Martin (wife Norma), Wilfred H. Martin (wife Sonia), and John Wesley Martin (wife Genevieve). He also leaves behind a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will cherish his memory.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 28, 2025, at 1:00 pm at the Church for the City, located at 3726 E County 13th St, Yuma, AZ 85365.

Wesley's legacy of service, education, and love for the natural world will continue to inspire all who knew him.

RESOLUTION

"You never said I'm leaving......You never said Goodbye,

You were gone before we knew it.......And only God knows why."

Whereas, on Sunday, February 10, 2025, Mr. Wesley V. Martin was released from the bonds of this earth. We are grateful for the time that He loaned him to us to laugh, to blossom, to nurture and to love.

Whereas, the Pope Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, pastor and members acknowledge that a life has been lived and touched by Mr. Wesley V. Martin.

Whereas, the members of the Pope Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church offers its deepest sympathy and prayers to the family of Mr. Wesley V. Martin, who is the uncle of our beloved pastor, Rev. Dr. Nehemiah Martin and the consolation that God will not fail to answer prayer.

Further, In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still, in our hearts we hold a place, that only You can fill.

Humbly submitted this 28th day of February, 2025

Pope Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

Pope, Mississippi

Beverly Pope, Church Secretary

Rev. Dr. Nehemiah Martin, Pastor