Alberta Martin

June 13, 1913 – December 14, 2013

Alberta Townsend Martin was born on June 13, 1913 in Limestone County, Alabama, to the late Mr. Floyd Townsend and Mattie Horton. She was one of 12 brothers and sisters. She went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 14, 2013 at the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, having spent 100 years on this earth.

Alberta confessed her hope and belief in Christ in her early twenties at the St. Mark Primitive Baptist Church in Athens, Alabama. She met and married David D. Martin in Alabama, and they moved to Pacific Grove, California in 1950. Together they raised 5 children. Alberta and Dave were married 49 years before his death in 1995.

Once relocated in Pacific Grove, she became a faithful member of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Seaside, prior to participating in the founding of the Community Missionary Baptist Church under the Pastorate of Rev. I.W. Holt. She served untiringly in numerous auxiliaries and ministries over the years, including the Women’s Mission Department, where she served as President for over 30 years. As President, the Mission Department grew and touched many lives through the work of Ruth Circle, Dorcas Circle, Naomi Circle, Esther Circle, Prayer Band and the Jr. Mission. She enjoyed working with the Mothers’ Board clothing and feeding the homeless, to prepare communion, and to visit the sick and shut-in. Alberta also loved sharing and teaching the Word of God and taught many years in the Sunday School Department, Baptist Training Union (BTU) and Vacation Bible School. In recent years she was honored as Mission Department President Emeritus. She also labored for many years as a doorkeeper serving on the Usher Board. Alberta also loved to sing and led many songs in the Sanctuary Choir and Women’s Chorus. She loved the old hymns and could be found on any given Sunday leading devotion.

Alberta Martin was also dedicated to numerous local, state and national ministries to win souls for Christ. She has been a member of the local Christian Women in Action. Through the Monterey Bay Baptist District Association, Alberta also served as former President of the Women’s Department. She was also very active in the women’s auxiliary of The California State Baptist Convention for many years. In 1998 she was awarded a plaque of appreciation under President Ruben Tate for her service to the Serendipity.

Mother Martin was full of life and the Spirit of God. She toured Israel while in her 80’s and was baptized in the Jordan River. She told everyone how God had blessed her to have all her teeth when she was 100 years old. Mother Martin lived alone and continued to take care of herself, wearing her fancy hats every Sunday. When full of the Spirit, she would walk the Church pews, never missing a step or hurting herself.

Family members and friends are left with fond memories of how she dedicated her life to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In her home and abroad she facilitated and implemented numerous ministries, such as the “Good News” Club where she taught Bible lessons and songs to children in her home. Mother Martin loved children and would pile them in one of those Cadillacs making sure they attended Choir rehearsal, Sunday School and/or Church services. She worked with the Children’s Department for many years also.

Under the leadership of Pastor G.E. Hooks, she began the “Saturday morning prayer” ministry at Community Missionary Baptist Church as well as the Wednesday noon-time prayer in her home. Each year she encouraged believers to participate in “World Day of Prayer.” Mrs. Martin enjoyed assisting members and visitors with rides to church and various nightly services.

Mother Martin was a Proverbs 31 woman. Aside from her work in the Church, she was a dedicated military wife, housekeeper and homemaker, and entrepreneur: she owned and managed a café in Athens, Alabama; a Thrift Store in Seaside; and, sold Avon and Amway products for over 35 years. Alberta was a housekeeper servicing numerous families throughout Carmel Valley and Del Monte Forest until 1997. She was also a talented seamstress and baker. She enjoyed making and altering her own clothes, as well as lap throws and quilts with the mission department. Alberta was well known for her baked goods such as pies, cobblers, and her famous rolls.

Alberta lived a full life, favored by God. Guided by her faith and trust in God, she lived through historic times in our nation’s history: World Wars, Depressions, Recessions, The Civil Rights Movement, and the Election of our nation’s First Black President, and kept her faith and humility through it all. As she often shared, “I got my eyes on Jesus and that star post in Glory and nothing can turn me around.” She would say, “You never too old or too young to Serve the Lord.” And, “Ninety-nine and a half won’t do, you got to make 100!” “Someday I’m going to meet my Maker, and when the time comes, you won’t see me anymore; but, don’t worry I ‘ve already made my peace with God.”

Alberta Martin leaves to cherish her memory two sons William L. Jones (Sierra Vista, AZ), Ronnie Martin (Carmel, CA); two daughters Judy Damon (Seaside, CA), Faye Orange (Medford, OR). One surviving brother Elijah Townsend; One sister-in-law Elouise Townsend; 12 nieces; 6 nephews; 18 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren;38 great nieces; and 40 great nephews; 3 godchildren. Alberta Martin was a loving Foster Mother and Mother to Theresa Collins, Debbie Little, Paula Powell and many others throughout her life.

Alberta Martin was preceded in death by her husband, David D. Martin; beloved grandson Ron L. Jones; and, her five sisters and five brothers.