Eleanor Martin

Eleanor was born in Grapeland, Texas on September 3, 1924, to William Wilmore and Gertrude Willis; she was their only child. She attended public schools in Grapeland and graduated from Ralph J. Bunche High School in 1942. After moving to Tucson, she met and married Henry L. Gaston from which their union produced two children- Phyllis and Henry Gaston Jr. She worked in housekeeping at the Pioneer Hotel for a while to help take care of the family. She later divorced Henry and put herself through beauty school where she became a licensed beautician. In 1957, she met and married Edward H. Martin. Their union produced three children- Keith, Shirley, and Karen Martin. Eleanor and Edward went on to serve the Lord as ordained ministers and eventually founded The Miracle Church. Eleanor was a Pastor’s wife, and ran her own beauty salon, which Edward built for her within their home. Upon Edwards death in 1972, Eleanor continued serving her time as Pastor of The Miracle Church. She retired from being a Pastor while still retaining the corporation of the church to this day. Eleanor loved baking, gardening, watching church programs on television and spending time with her family.

Preceding her in death are her parents, William Wilmore and Gertrude Stillwell, her husband, Edward H. Martin; sons Henry L. Gaston Jr and Keith E. Martin; daughter Phyllis Gaston; Grandsons Jason L. Joe and George L Joe III; granddaughter Ursula S. Martin, cousins, who were like sisters, Ira Lee Cook and Flossie Mae Burns.

She is survived by her daughters Shirley A. Martin and Karen Martin-Milliner; grandchildren Eric L. Joe, Jomo T. Gaston, TaNisha J. Bland (Michael), Quinn K. Martin, Marquida S. Martin (Michael); Rennae Weber (Matthew); Vernard A. Martin (Alana), Randy Milliner Jr. (Sabrina); Malcolm C. Milliner (Rachel), BreAnna C. Robertson (Antwan), Cherria S. Martin; 12 great grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren and a host of family and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Rising Star Baptist Church, Tucson, AZ on Wednesday May 24, 2023, by Pastor Amos L. Lewis. Interment will follow in the South Lawn Cemetery. Repast to follow immediately after in the South Lawn Dining Room.