Mahala O. Martin

Mahala O. Scott-Martin was born on September 18, 1926 in Camden-Wyoming, Delaware to Daniel and Daisy Scott. The matriarch of the Scott and Martin Family departed this life and earned her heavenly reward after a lengthy illness on March 15. 2016. She was 89 years old. Mahala attended Booker T. Washington Elementary School in Dover, Delaware. She graduated high school at the then Delaware State College in Dover, Delaware. Mahalia worked as a domestic housekeeper for many affluent white families. She also worked as a dietary food service worker at Delaware State College for many years. On December 4, 1947, Mahala married Aston P. Martin. Out of the union, she had six children. Mahala was a devoted wife and mother. Mahala was a member of the Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Dover, Delaware. She sang on the Senior Choir, and was a member of both the Helping Hand Club and the Beautician Club. “Nana” as she was affectionately called loved to spend time with her family, whether it was her children, grand-children or great grandchildren; she was always excited to be around family. Despite being such a “skinny- minny”, she loved to eat and would usually be the last person at the dinner table because she wanted to savor every bite, which always included a buttered and jelly biscuit. Despite not being able to drive, she was always somewhere. Whether it was eating out or up the road visiting her very best friend, Mary Reeves; she was always out and about. Until her health began to fail, Nana believed in living a life that would be pleasing to God and we are sure that she has earned her heavenly reward. Nana was preceded in death by both of her parents; her husband, Aston P. Martin in 1970; one son, Eric Martin in 2007; a grandson, whom she helped to raise, Kenneth C. Baker in 2012; one great-granddaughter, Gabriella Stevens in 2013 and one brother-in-law, Jack Hardin in 2015. Mahala leaves behind to cherish her memories five children: Elvera “Peaches” Baker, Aston Martin, Edith Martin all of Dover, Delaware; Lucretia Martin of Felton, Delaware; and Christina Simmons (Elijah) of Magnolia, Delaware; two sisters: Pauline Homes (Steward) of Browns Mills, New Jersey; and McCledia Hardin of Wilmington, Delaware. She will leave behind 17 grand-children, 23 great-grand-children and three great-great grandchildren, very close friend Mary Reeves, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mahala O. Martin, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Mahala O. Martin

September 18, 1926 - March 15, 2016