Willie Mae Martin

Ms. Willie Mae Martin was born on Friday, June 24, 1927, to the proud parents of William and Ida Mae Martin in Thomasville, GA.

Affectionally known as "Bill" amongst family and friends she was child number 7 out of 11brothers and sisters. The number 7 represents "completeness" and Willie Mae was often one to
provide completeness to those who knew and loved her.

Willie Mae "Bill" attended Thomas County schools and graduated from the renowned DouglassHigh School after completing the 11th grade in 1945. She would often tell the story of how her
segregated high school didn't offer 12th grade like the "other" schools in the county. An exampleof the sign of the time and a systematic way to provide advantages for students who didn't look
like her.

After high school she moved to Columbia, SC to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse byattending Allen University and Good Samaritan's Nursing programs. A career in nursing caught
her attention at an early age when she would ride with her mother to work at ArchboldHospital, in Thomasville. The nurses fascinated her with their stately uniforms, commandingpresence and helping patients.

After completing her studies, she moved back to Thomasville and fulfilled her childhood dreamby becoming one of the first African American Registered Nurses to work at Archbold; she was
assigned to the Medical and Surgical Unit for 2 years.

After Archbold, she relocated to Nashville, TN and began working at Meharry Hospital. While there she met one of her very best friends (Madeline Golden), the two made a pact aboutwhere they wanted to live after their time at Meharry. The agreement was to live in Detroit, MIfor six months per Madeline's request and then move to Los Angeles, CA for 6 months perWillie Mae's wish. They never made it to California and the (6) month visit to the "Motor City"became a 70-year residency.

Willie Mae quickly established herself in Detroit. Professionally, she began working at Kirwoodhospital and then Receiving Hospital as a nurse in their Pediatrics Department. She met Mr.Hillary Ferguson, and tried her hand in marriage and became a member of the prestigious St.Paul A.M.E Zion church under the guidance of Dr. William C. Audrey.

Willie Mae had a passion for a lot of things…her biggest passions were her family, traveling theworld and continuing her education. There was nothing she enjoyed more than bringing back
souvenirs, showing pictures and sharing stories about all the adventures and exciting thingsthat she had seen. When we say she was a global traveler, we're talking about someone who
has visited 6 out of the 7 continents, with the seventh continent being Antarctica.

When it came to her family and friends there was nothing she wouldn't do. Her home onGreenway was known as the place to be for delicious meals, laughs and the backdrop for agood time. She took pride in doing for others and living by her motto, "You're helped by helpingothers".

Her passion for continuing education and stressing its importance to loved ones was a messageyou would often receive. While working at Receiving Hospital she continued her education andgot accepted into Wayne State University's Nurse Anesthetist program in 1962. Uponcompletion and passing state exams she earned the distinguished title of Certified RegisteredNurse Anesthetist (CRNA). This designation further propelled her medical career with stops atBoulevard General Hospital and ultimately Henry Ford Hospital, where she worked for 28 yearsuntil her retirement in 1994.

In retirement Will Mae loved to serve at her beloved St. Paul A.M.E Zion Church. She served invarious capacities, most notably as a Missionary, President of the Parent Body, member of theDeaconess Board and Lay Council. One of her proudest moments was being inducted into St.Paul A.M.E Zion Church's Wall of Fame in 2007, a recognition for her devoted and dedicated
service.

Willie Mae Martin transitioned to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, atthe beautiful age of 96 years old at Henry Ford Hospital.

Willie Mae is survived by her youngest brother, Mr. Humphrey Avon Martin (Sandra), hernephew(son), Mr. A. Clinton Tyler-Martin (Natalie) and her niece (granddaughter) Amia Tyler-Martin and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.