RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Members of this Chamber were deeply saddened to learn of the death on November 7, 2015, at age 90, of Freddie J. Martin, a beloved citizen and friend of his community; and
WHEREAS, Born on December 8, 1924, in Copiah County near Hazlehurst, Mississippi, Mr. Martin was the twenty-first of twenty-two children born to the blessed matrimony of Mr. Lee Jones Martin, Sr., and Mrs. Viola Sinclair Martin; and
WHEREAS, A thoughtful and astute young man with a penchant for learning, Mr. Martin excelled in the classroom but had to halt his education just after completing the sixth grade to work on the family farm with his father and brothers, where he learned valuable life lessons that helped build his sterling character; and
WHEREAS, A determined and responsible young man, Mr. Martin courted and fell in love with a beautiful girl named Beatrice Jessie from Hazlehurst, Mississippi. He and Beatrice were married on March 31, 1946, in Jackson, Mississippi, and their matrimony was blessed with eleven children; and
WHEREAS, Always looking to build a better life for his family, in 1953 Mr. Martin moved to the City of Chicago, where he worked at the BF Goodrich Company before beginning a job in the electric motors division of the General Motors Corporation, a career underscored by more than 25 years of distinguished service; and
WHEREAS, An exemplary family, Mr. and Mrs. Martin were among the first African American residents to purchase a house in the historic Burnside neighborhood in 1973, a house that still stands as a symbol of their diligence and resolve; and
WHEREAS, A man of faith who strived to empower and uplift his family and community, Mr. Martin began and ended each day with fervent prayer and scripture reading. Mr. Martin was an esteemed member, devoted deacon, and trusted steward at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Bronzeville for over 40 years, where he provided guidance and support to the ministerial staff and fellow congregants; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Martin is survived by his loving wife, Beatrice; his children, Freddie, Jr. (Yvette), Mildred (Dennis), Troy (Cecelia), Calvin, Jacquelyn (Raymond, Sr.), Vanessa (Nathan), Patricia, Christopher (Renee), and Lorraine (Sterling); 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; very dear nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Martin touched the lives of all who knew him through his kindness, his generosity, his heart and his spirit. He will be deeply missed, but the memory of his character and compassion will live on in those who knew and loved him; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this ninth day of December, 2015, do hereby honor the life and memory of Freddie J. Martin, and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Freddie J. Martin, as a sign of our sympathy and good wishes.