Essie Thomas Martin

Essie Thomas Martin

Birth Date: June 1, 1922, Jonesville, Catahoula, Louisiana

Spouse: Theodule Martin, Sr. (1918-2013)

Children: Theodule “Dell” Martin, Jr (1948-) and Doeveal Martin Nightingale (1950-2013).

Current Residence: Garland, Tx

Essie Martin is the fifth child of Sim and Fannie Thomas. She is the first daughter to attend college with the financial support of her brothers – Frank and Jesse Thomas.

Essie often shared that as a young girl she was loved and cared for by her siblings and her mother. Essie loved to set the table and help with chores. Essie prioritized education and was appreciative of her brother’s for securing her education at Grambling College.

Immediately after college she relocated to Oakland, CA and resided with her eldest brother, Frank Thomas, whom helped her secure employment at the Post Office with her younger sister, Bernice.

Essie first met Theodule Martin when she was a young girl and he courted her while she was in high school and throughout the war. Following his proposal, she returned to Louisiana where they married.

Essie later relocated to Denver where she secured employment with her sister-in-law with the Coors family as she was sure that farm life was not what she saw in her future. TD and his brother soon relocated to Denver and enrolled at Denver University. Following the birth of their first child, Theodule “Dell” Martin, Jr., they returned to Louisiana and TD completed his degree.  They gave birth to their second child, Doeveal Martin. Essie was a school teacher at (insert school). Essie was very proud of her position and prioritized education.

Essie shared that she had not been involved in the marches and protests of her youth as she thought it was important for members of the Black community to focus on their education as the means to change their circumstance. Then one day while she was receiving lunch at the lunch counter the white lunch lady shoved the lunch tray attempting to soil Essie’s clothing. When a young student went to pick it up Essie stopped him and stated that the lunch lady would take care of it. Essie always understood the complexities of race and racism and highlights this event as the one the first provoked her to march.

Essie always entered a room dressed to impress. She and her brother Jesse were very sharp dressers. She shared that when she was young her cousin, Elouise, was an only child and often shared her nice clothing with Essie.

Essie loved her family. She adored her brothers and had wonderful relationships with her sisters. She traveled to visit with her family often.

Theodule and Essie moved to CA in 1969 where she was hired as a School Counselor and served in that position for approximately 20 years. Essie loved to volunteer. She was active in her sorority Delta Sigma Theta and a local program – The Juliettes.

Following the passing of her daughter and husband, Essie was cared for by her granddaughter, son and is currently residing with her neice, Cora McClendon.

Essie Martin is currently our oldest living relative.