Standing on the Roadside
Ida B. Hayslett began her journey on December 17, 1930, in Rossville, TN, as the oldest girl to Eldridge Hayslett and Bernice Hayslett Fields. She was four years old when she moved to Moscow, TN. She attended Parr School.
At 12 years old, a little ten-year old boy shared with her about a man in a little black book called a Bible. He loved everyone. She met Jesus that day, standing on the roadside, crying.
Shortly after that, Ida moved to Forest Hill Irene, where she attended New Wright Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. It was there that Mrs. Bolden introduced her to the love of her life, her husband, Henry Vernon Martin Sr. To this union were added nine children: Ola (Leroy), James (Linda), Alvin (Mary), Melvin (Shirley), Henry Jr. (Phyllis), Bobby, Tyrone, Marvin, and Shelia.
The family moved to Memphis in 1961, where they joined Princeton Avenue Baptist Church until 1998, when she followed her husband to Greater Life Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Martin Y. Harris, where she served on the Mother Ministry until her health failed. Mother Martin, as she was known, had a life goal to bring as many people to Jesus as possible.
Mrs. Ida was the candy lady, loved by her neighborhood children. After selling candy out of the back door, she would read scriptures to them on the front porch. She took a total of 18 children to Sunday School.
Mother Martin departed this life on October 23, 2025. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Sonny, and her oldest and well-loved son, James. She was the last of her beloved siblings, Jessie, Alfonzo, Johnny, William, Borice, Dorothy, and Jean.
She leaves to cherish her memories two godsisters: Frankie Payne and Maple Jackson, a host of nieces and nephews across the country and world, and close friends; 8 children, 23 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren, 28 great-greatgrandchildren, and two great-great-great-grandchildren, a total of 120 plus descendants.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalms 23
Order of Celebration
Saturday, November 1, 2025 10:00 A.M.
Greater Life Missionary Baptist Church 3599 Vanuys Road Memphis, Tennessee 38111
Pastor Martin Y. Harris, Officiating
Processional................................................................................The Family of Mrs. Ida B. Martin
Call To Worship.............................................................................................Minister Joseph Jones
Devotion..........................................................................................................Bro. Calvin McGhee
Musical Selection...........................................................................Greater Life M.B. Church Choir
Scripture Readings: Old Testament....................................................................................Pastor Barron Martin New Testament...........................................................................Minister Terrance Hayslett
Prayer.............................................................................................................Elder Charlie Martin
Musical Selection...............................................................................................Sis. Linda Williams
Reflections
(Respectfully, Two Mintues Please) Sis. Rachel Blair - Caretaker Sis. LeKita Williams - Neighbor Sis. Ann Donahue - Neighbor Sis. Laverne West - Friend/Neighbor
Musical Selection....................................................................................Bro. Will Andrew Williams
Words of Comfort.........................................................................................Minister Debra Gaines
Resolution & Acknowlegements...................................................................Sis. Theresa Carrthers
Musical Selection.............................................................................................Pastor Tim Johnson
Eulogy........................................................................................................Pastor Martin Y. Harris
Recessional
~ Acknowledgements ~
On behalf of the family of Mrs. Ida Martin, we would like to express our sincere appreciation and profound gratitude to all who have played a significant role during this difficult time of bereavement. Thank you. It is our prayer that God continues to bless each and every one of you.
Active Pallbearers ~
Jarvis Martin Maurice Henderson, II
Jason Wallace Prentiss Martin
Tommy Brown, Jr.
- The Family of Mrs. Ida Beatrice Martin ~ Interment ~ New Bethel Baptist Church 7786 Poplar Pike Germantown, Tennessee 38138 ~ Repast ~ Greater Life M.B. Church 3599 Vanuys Road Memphis, Tennessee 38111
Daniel Demire
