Mary Elizabeth Martin was born May 3, 1924 in Cascade, Virginia to the union of Matthew and Hattie Martin. She was the second of eight children. Three Sisters and two brothers preceded her in death. Mary United in holy matrimony with Percy Yancey on May 28, 1941. They loved to sing and minister through gospel songs. They shared their home with family and friends who migrated from the south, thus giving them a helping hand. They remained married until his death in May of 1970. To this union five children were born: Percy Leon, Angeline, Julia, Rosie, and Tanya. Percy Leon and Rosie preceded her in death.

Mother Yancey accepted the Lord at an early age. She united later with Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ.  She was a devoted member of the choir, devotional leader, member of the Mother’s Board, a tutor of elementary students, and creative fundraiser.  She loved to travel with her church family to spiritual conferences. She had a great love for her ministry of visiting the sick. She loved the Lord and her church. In the words of her church family, she is described as a Godly woman who was active, uplifting, faithful, dependable, always punctual, and a sharp dresser.

Mother Yancey was the matriarch of her family. The best gift you could give her was a family gathering. Any excuse for the family to gather was alright with her! She was the Mom, Grandma, Sister, and Aunty to everyone! She lovingly and generously shared her love, her time, her home, her wisdom, and her pocketbook.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory her daughters Angeline (Isaac), Julia (Abraham), and Tanya, two brothers, Henry Martin of Buffalo, New York and Obie Martin of Cleveland, Ohio,  nine grandchildren: Keith, Victoria, Dwight, Marcia, Antoine, Timmy, Derek, Daryl, and Aaron, twenty-two great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren, a special niece, Brenda, and many other relatives and friends.