Dorothy Laverne Hoskin Martin

Our mother, Dorothy Laverne Hoskin Martin, age 88, truly depicted many of the attributes of the virtuous woman cited in Proverbs 31.  God’s plan to prosper her and give her a hope and a future were already in motion before her birth on February 12, 1933 in Phillips County.  She was born to the late Elnora Bean and Samuel W. Hoskin.  She was the third child reared by her mother and stepfather, the late John L. Ivory, along with some of her siblings David, Louis, Ethel, John Jr., Abraham, and Betty.  All have preceded her in death.  She is affectionately known by her family as Mama, Ma, Grandma, Big Mama, Great Granny, or “Aint Dauthy.” 

 

Mama accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior at the age of 12 at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church.  She expressed her love for Christ in the community as well as the church.  Ma faithfully served as an usher, one of the church mothers, and seamstress for all the baptismal gowns and the sacrament cloth until she relocated to St. Louis, Missouri.  She was an open-handed servant providing food, clothing, and shelter to those in need.  She further contributed to renown organizations.  We witnessed her graciousness and generosity to ensure that the best was always offered.  She later rededicated her life to Christ and was baptized at the Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis on August 22, 2010. 

 

Big Mama’s humble beginnings seemed small as she attended grade school until the 9th grade. However, experience, perseverance, wisdom, and the grace of God brought her before great men. Her informal training as a homemaker began at 5 years of age as she was tasked with attending to younger siblings in her mother’s stead.  As “Aint Dauthy” matured and later married, she was employed as a housekeeper in the community.  She began to develop her skills as a seamstress, cook, and gardener.  Grandma could stand neck-to-neck with our top designers as she made garments from flour sacks.  She often received first place for her canning abilities at the Phillips County Fair.  Great Granny was also a very crafty furniture maker, identified in her first piece being made from a cardboard box and fabric.  As time passed, she was formally employed as a nursing assistant and cook at Crestpark Nursing Home in Helena, Arkansas.  She later advanced to the Helena Regional Medical Center as a CNA until her health was challenged.  When Big Mama’s health was restored, she returned to the workforce as a CNA for the East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging in Helena, Arkansas until she retired.

 

Mama and Daddy began their 58 years of marriage on March 19, 1950.  To this union, eight children were born.  Ma was instrumental in ensuring that her children went to church, accepted Jesus as Savior, and participated in the work of the ministry.  Great Granny leaves a Godly legacy of love and wisdom inspired by God.  We fondly reflect on some of her timeless, bitter/sweet quotes that were full of wisdom, instruction, correction, love, and safety.  They include: “you play with a puppy, he’ll lick ya mouth; I mo get cha for old and new, when one ugh ya in trouble, all ugh ya in trouble; don’t go da jail; don’t let dusk dark catch ya; birds of a feather flock together; if ya have a dime, save a nickel; rest ya mind, save some for the next time; wash ya ______ ‘cause the doctor’ll say the stank made ya sick; I ane wearin’ no showt-dress Lucy”, and many more. 

 

On January 27, 2022, our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, aunt, and friend peacefully slipped away to be with the Lord.  She was preceded in death by her husband, David Martin, along with two children, Lloyd Martin and Barbara Ward; one grandson, Jarvis Richardson; and two great grandsons, Jason E. Moody II and Jamaud Ali.  Those who remain to cherish and continue her legacy are three sons:  Edward Martin (Barbara) of Richmond, Virginia; Marvin Martin (Louise) of Sandusky, Ohio; and Dennis Martin (Betina) of Benton, Arkansas; three daughters:  Grace Gregg (Jerome) of Clarksville, Tennessee; Ann Johnson (Eldridge (deceased) of Lawton, Oklahoma; and Carolyn Palmer of Maumelle, Arkansas; one step-brother:  Alan Ivory of Marvell, Arkansas; 26 grandchildren, 70 great grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren, one brother-in-law:  Freeman Martin of Jackson, Michigan; one sister-in-law: Stannie Thomas of Anaheim, California; one lifelong friend:  Annie R. Pike; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.