Surlana Martin

Surlana Martin was born September 9, 1939, to Lee and Lizzie Knight, in Randolph County, Wedowee, Alabama. She received Christ at the young age of 8. After graduating from Wedowee High School in 1959, she moved to East Chicago, IN and met the love of her life, Ivory Martin. This union was blessed with four children Geralyn D. Martin, Karen E. Hawk, Patrick F. Martin, and Terrence R. Martin. 

Shortly after 1982, Ms. Surlana Martin became a member of the Faith Temple Church of God in Christ in East Chicago, IN under the leadership of Bishop William O. Blakely, Sr. Mother Surlana Martin worked in the following ministries/auxiliaries: Assistant Pastor’s Wife, Ministers and Elders Wives, Mothers Board, Deaconess Board, Senior Choir, Sunday School and Culinary Ministries. Further, Surlana worked at St. Margaret Hospital, Hammond, IN, where she retired after 30 years as the head cook. She is most remembered and well-known for her chicken salad. 

Mother Surlana Martin entered into the presence of the Lord on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at Tucson Medical Center, Hospice Care, Tucson, AZ at 83 years old. She was preceded in death by her husband Ivory D. Martin; daughter Geralyn D. Martin; siblings Fannie Mae Sims, Henry Knight, Charles Knight, Jimmie Knight, Andrew J. Knight, Grady Lee Knight, and Robert A. Knight.

Mother Surlana leaves to cherish her loving memories children, Tony and Karen Hawk of Vail, Arizona, Patrick and Theresa Martin of East Chicago, IN, Terrence Martin of East Chicago, IN, grandchildren, Alexyse Martin, Ilena Hawk, Allysse Hawk, Drake Adams, and Payton Martin, and great grandson Kameryn Martin. Two sisters, Eleanor Pate of Downey, California and Earlean Brown of Charlotte, North Carolina, along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and church family. 

She will be greatly missed and never forgotten in our hearts. 

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