Dr. Deborah Hardy-Martin

God’s creative hand sent forth the life of Dr. Deborah Verness (Hardy) Martin on November 16, 1955 to John Henry Hardy, Sr. and Elizabeth Polly Verdell (Reed) Hardy in Los Angeles, CA. She was the youngest born to their union and her Daddy’s only babygirl with three older brothers: John Henry Hardy, Jr. Anthony Lawrence Hardy aka “Lonnie”, and Michael Lorell Hardy aka “Too Sweet”.

Though her father passed when she was only four years old, Deborah was raised in a loving extended family that included close ties with her grandmother Sally “Mother Dear” (Reed) Webster-Cochran and her godparents David & Laugetta Morris aka “Daddy Dave” and “Mama Lou”. In 1967, she graduated from Hillcrest Elementary where she became close friends with Marlo Brown & Thea Garrett. These three were like inseparable sisters and passionate about dancing, singing and roller skating.

After elementary school, Deborah moved to Flint, Michigan to live with John Willie “Uncle Pete” Reed, her Aunt Joann Reed and cousins Kim and Troy Reed. There she attended and graduated from Whittier Junior High and soon after moved back to Los Angeles and went to Crenshaw High, where she graduated Class of 1973. Deborah was nominated “Afro Queen” because of her beautiful hair and fashion style. As a teen, Deborah studied fine arts, modern, ballet, and yoga. She loved to dance and accompanied her god-sister Sheila Children,who was an Soul Train dancer, to the popular TV Show. Deborah took pleasure in singing along to The Beatles records and all the Motown Legends.

Deborah attended Los Angeles Southwest College with aspirations to work in the medical field. Her path shifted when as a young woman she was touched by Jesus Christ. She became saved by faith and dedicated her life to Christ in April of 1975. After being invited to a Bible study where she met a young 21 year old Baptist minister and musician, William B. Martin II, little did she know that they would later elope in Arizona on December 11, 1976. To this union, three were born: William Blain, III, “Bold Protector” (1979), LaQuenta Verness “The Queen” (1984) and her lil baby girl Christina Jontee’ “The Glamour Girl” (1991).

After getting married, she graduated in 1978 with an Associate’s of Arts degree in Child Development. She then proceeded to Bible Training School and attended Los Angeles Christian Center under the leadership of Drs. Floyd & Blanche Miller with her husband William, the newly appointed Assistant Pastor. In 1979, the Lord led the couple to start The Inner City Christian Center (TICCC) in the home of William “Big Dad” Martin, Sr. & Ruth “Big Mom” Martin. Having the title of First Lady, she pursued her endeavors for God becoming ordained and licensed to minister in 1981.” She obtained a Bachelor’s of Arts from California Graduate School of Theology in 1988 and two years later earned a honorary Doctorate degree from Associated Christian Theological School.

Throughout the years, she traveled across the country accompanying her husband on missionary trips, including Korea and West Africa, Lagos, Nigeria. Guided by their beloved friends Austin Eswenza and Chief Ebenezer Obey, she learned more of the rich African culture and traditions. Her wardrobe included beautiful authentic African garments and headpieces that she wore on various occasions. For many years, she hosted Black History Month assemblies at various school districts. While doing ministry, Deborah worked for LAUSD as a Special Education Paraprofessional for almost twenty years teaching mild, moderate and severe students.

Dr. Deborah was truly an instrument of the Lord. Dr. Deborah’s heart was filled with love for community outreach. She was dedicated to mentoring single or married ladies by founding the “Wise Women Winning” ministry. She often taught praise dances and her daughters shared the same gifts. One of her greatest joys was serving as the Advisor to the Youth Department. In 1997, Dr. Deborah became the organizing manager of the Christian Hip-Hop Group N.S.P. (Never Stop Praising) and headlined as a featured guest at community events and youth concerts.

A faithful prayer warrior, Dr. Deborah would always give a word of encouragement. All the while she never revealed that she was diagnosed with two different types of cancer which led to kidney failure. This took a toll on her precious body, but it NEVER affected her mind and spirit. For nearly twelve years of dialysis treatments she NEVER gave up hope, faith or trust in God. She continued to spread her light to all she encountered until her last breath.

On Saturday, February 2, 2019 9:45 am, God called his daughter, Dr. Deborah Hardy-Martin, to rest and worship in Heaven. Dr. Deborah was preceded in death by her father, John Henry Hardy Sr.; her brother, Anthony Lawrence Hardy; her grandmother, Sally “Mother Dear” (Reed) Webster-Cochran and her uncles Frank Delano Reed, John Willie “Big Pete” Reed and Sammy James Reed. However she leaves to cherish her precious memory her mother, Elizabeth Polly Verdell (Reed) Hardy; two brothers, John Henry and Michael Lorrell; her precious daughters, LaQuenta Verness and Christina Jonteé; her #1 and only son, William Blain, III, his wife and daughter -in- love Brittiny Monique; her esteemed grandsons, William Blain IV, John Cameron along with their loving mother Letari Shameka; her beloved grandsons, Mykel Jr., Lyriq Jalon Paul and Aidan Langston Paul, their father Mykel Wooten, Sr. as well as a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and brothers & sisters in Christ in addition to old and new friends from across the country. Dr. Deborah left a lasting impression on many she encountered and will truly be missed but we will continue to honor her life and legacy by walking in love and unity. She will always be in our hearts and minds.