Obituary of Joseph Cornelius Martin

Joseph Cornelius Martin was born in Kalamazoo, MI on December 10, 1957. Joseph was born to the union of Matthew K. Martin Sr. and Vallie Ree (Guy) Martin. The youngest of eight brothers and sisters, and affectionately known as Joe or Joey. Joe accepted Christ at an early age at Second Baptist Church in Kalamazoo. He attended Kalamazoo public schools and graduated from Loy Norrix High School where he was a member of the Football, DECA and Wrestling teams. He received his associate’s degree from Kalamazoo Valley Community College, where he excelled in his academics and graduated with High Honors. As an adult, the love for his three children was a driving force in his constant growth and success. Joe quickly became an entrepreneur by utilizing some of his best assets, his mind and his hands, and thus B.M.I.A. (Black Men in Action) Home Improvement was born. B.M.I.A. was not only an opportunity for Joe to be a provider for his family, but an opportunity for him to mentor young black men. Joe used B.M.I.A. to teach young men a trade and skills to be used for the rest of their lives. More importantly, Joe became a father figure to many of these young men. He became a listening ear but also a sound and respected voice of encouragement, love and guidance. Joe’s personality was larger than life itself. In any room he was sure to be seen smiling big and bright or being the life of the party on the dance floor. His faith and his family were his greatest treasures. He had many names, Daddy, Brother, Papa, Uncle, Pops, Friend, and he lived up to them all. At the age of fifty, Joe reunited with his high school sweetheart, Darlene at bible study, which they called Divine Order. Joe and Darlene knew that after over thirty years, they’d been returned to their forever person. They were married in 2010 and made their home Oak Park, MI where they were members of Tree of Life Bible Fellowship, under the direction of Pastor Eric Moore. Joseph departed this life at his home surrounded by an abundance of love and family on August 16, 2020. He is preceded in death by his mother, Vallie Ree Martin; father, Matthew K. Martin Sr., three brothers, Kenneth Martin, Paul Martin, and Michael Martin. Sister, Hersalese Slater. His beloved sister in law Nettie B. Martin; brother in law Gordon Jeffries and niece Shelia Franks. Joe is survived by his wife, Darlene P. Martin. He is also survived by his children, Jessica (Alexander) Headd of Park Forest, IL; Jordan Martin of Fayetteville, GA; Joseph (Stephanie) Martin II of Evanston, IL. Bonus children, Corie M. Peterson of Cleveland, OH and Phillip Peterson of Kalamazoo, MI. Grandchildren, Jaiden Martin, Jenesis Harris and Jream Martin. Bonus Grandchildren, Faith and Josiah Graham; Julia and Jasmine Headd; and Aubrey Wilson. Two sisters, Ida Faye Franks of Kalamazoo, MI and Ivy Jeffries of Portage, MI. One brother, Matthew Martin Jr. of Kalamazoo, MI; Godson Calvin Ollie of Kalamazoo, MI. His special Nephew Mikel (Linnea) Slater and Niece Annette (Tony) Kinsey. A host of nieces and nephews, who made him the “famous” Uncle Joe, and many very close friends.