Norma was a woman of many gifts. She possessed a natural talent for artistry and poetry, and her creative work was recognized and featured in various news publications throughout her life. Her creativity was a reflection of the beautiful and expressive spirit she carried with her.

Much of Norma’s life was devoted to caring for the people she loved. She lovingly cared for her parents and devoted herself to raising her two daughters, Christel and Starlyn. In 1985, Norma married the love of her life, Robert “Bobby” Martin. Through their union, she gained another daughter, Nicole Martin, whom she welcomed into her heart and family.

Norma and Bobby later moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they became devoted caregivers. They loved their work and people they cared for so much, they often times went to work on their days off to visit their clients. Their commitment to caring for others extended beyond their jobs and became a true reflection of who they were.

Beginning in 1994, they became grandparents and started a new journey in life.

During her years in Milwaukee, Norma became a leader and advocate for healthcare workers. She served as President of her local SEIU union, championing the rights and interests of healthcare workers and using her voice to advocate for those who cared for others.

Even while working and advocating for others, Norma never stopped being a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Family remained at the center of her life.

Following the passing of her beloved husband, Bobby, Norma returned to Akron, Ohio, where she began a new chapter centered around her family and, especially, her grandchildren. Her later years in Akron were filled with moments she treasured, playing bingo with her sister-in-law, Joanne Martin, celebrating birthdays, and spending time with her eight great-grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.

In 2020, as Norma began experiencing memory loss, she moved in with her daughter and son-in-law allowing her family to surround her with the same love and care she had so freely given throughout her life. During this time, Norma enjoyed attending Catholic Charities Summit Adult Day Services, where she could socialize and participate in activities. She still enjoyed the occasional casino trip and looked forward to vacations to Milwaukee to visit her beloved sister, Loretta.

Norma’s life was one of love, creativity, service, advocacy, and family. She spent much of her life caring for others, and in her later years, she was blessed to receive that same love and care from the family she had nurtured.

She leaves behind a legacy that lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, extended family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. Her laughter, creativity, strength, compassion, and unwavering love for her family will be remembered and cherished.

Norma Linda Silas-Martin will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Tamika Seay and Eric for the care they provided in her last days.

Norma was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Lee Martin Jr.; her parents, John Henry Silas and Willie Belle Silas; and her sisters, Katherine Pitts and Charlene Brock.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Christel (D’Arrius) King, Starlyn Silas, and bonus daughter Nicole Martin; her sister, Loretta (John) Jordan; sisters-in-law, Hanifah (Ako) Kambon and Suzette Lewis; and special niece Kisha (Eric) Keeler.

She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Jordan Ward, T’Naisha Ward, Joelle Silas, Niko Silas, Joe A Lewis II, along with her eight great-grandchildren; Nyomi, Tristan, Nyla, Nasir, Nadir, Jordan, Amari, and Cherish .

Norma’s life was also enriched by special relationships that brought her love, friendship, and support. The family extends heartfelt acknowledgment and gratitude to her goddaughter, Stacey Brock; her great-great niece’s Ceia and Alena, and great-great nephew Paco; her dear friend, Fredrick Shortridge; and her beloved South High School Class of 1967 for the love, care, friendship, and memories shared with Norma throughout the years.

Norma Linda Silas-Martin leaves behind a legacy of creativity, love, family devotion, and resilience. Her artistry, poetry, laughter, and the love she gave so freely will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Though her earthly journey has come to an end, her memory will continue to live through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.