Mildred Olivia, born on March 26, 1940, in Cleveland, Ohio, was the youngest of five children of the late David and Ethel Martin. Her three brothers, Sonny, Ralph, and Al preceded her in death.

She attended Cleveland Public Schools and proudly graduated from John Hay High School Class of 1958. After high school, Mildred pursued her education at Bryant and Stratton College, Cuyahoga Community College, and Ursuline. Throughout her life, she held various jobs, including working at Cleveland Public Schools, Mt. Sinai Hospital, United Way, and Continental Airlines. She retired from the United States Postal Service after many years of service where she held various roles.

Mildred’s spiritual journey began at an early age in the Seventh Day Adventist Church. She later became a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church, Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, and The Pentecostal Church of Christ (PCC), where she was ordained as an Elder under the late Bishop J. D. Ellis. Later, she returned to her roots and joined Southeast Seventh-day Adventist Church after leaving PCC. Mildred was dedicated to loving and serving God’s people, and she actively served in varied ministries and roles in the churches she attended. She was involved in missions’ work, led the Joybells Children’s Choir, sang in the choir, and participated in the Angel Tree Ministry, among other activities.

Known for her kindness and nurturing spirit, many affectionately referred to Mildred as “mom.” Losing her mother at the age of seven, one of her greatest desires was to be a mother. God answered her prayers, and she was blessed with two daughters, Arlonda Marie (Loni) and Angela Denise. Mildred’s top priority was instilling in her daughters a love for God and guiding them to accept Him as their Lord and Savior. Being a mother brought her the utmost joy.

Mildred’s radiant personality made her a bright light in God’s kingdom. She was admired and loved by all who had the pleasure of meeting her. She could be classy and even feisty when defending herself or others she cared about.

Those who knew her knew she really enjoyed dancing. However, many probably did not know that she was a published poet. Her creative work can be found in different books published by The International Library of Poetry. Mildred stated, “I started writing poetry in the fall of my life…I’ve always believed that my poems come through me, not from me!” She would often quote Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Amen.

Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Arlonda and Angela (Nick), a bonus daughter, Valerie, as well as her three grandchildren: Jasmine, Julio II, and Jada, and two great-grandchildren: Laila and Siana. She is also survived by her sister Marie, niece Melodie, and nephews Mallory and Mark, who were like siblings to her, along with many other great nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.

Mildred’s presence will be deeply missed, but her light will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.