Apostle-Elect Dirah J. Martin went home to be with the Lord on April 15, 2017 while surrounded by loved ones in her Winston Salem home. She was born on November 5, 1948 to the late Reverend James C. Jones and Geneva Wilkins in Winston Salem, NC.

She was preceded in death her parents, husband of 21 years, Blakley E. Martin; son, Minister Derick L. Martin; and two brothers, Connie and Dennis Jones.

Apostle-Elect Martin received her formal education from Paisley High School. She attended Forsyth Technical College, Surry Community College, High Point College and graduated from Corner Stone Bible College. Continuing to strive for excellence, prior to her transition, she was enrolled at Apex Theological Seminary.

Apostle-Elect's walk and work in ministry was heavily influenced and inspired by her grandmother, Evangelist Mother Hattie Wilkins. Mother Wilkins was the founder and overseer of Cappadocia Holiness Church of Deliverance. Operating and walking within a Five-Fold Ministry, Pastor Martin founded True Faith Tabernacle in November of 1997. True Faith Tabernacle is called "The Healing Station," where the sick, hurting, depressed, oppressed and all of God's people can be healed in the name of Jesus.

She leaves to cherish her memory: husband, Deacon Donald Gwyn; three daughters, De'Amber Martin, Dimetria Martin, and Direka Burnell (Minister Derrick); sisters, Co-Pastor Linda Williams (Elder Dallas) and Virginia Leaper; brothers, Jerry Wilkins (Audrey), Benjamin Jones, and Apostle Theophilus Jones (Apostle Valerie); six grandchildren, Dirah S. Martin, Dierra Martin, De'Coya Martin, Desmond Burnell, Diamond Burnell, and Derick Martin; a special friend, Evangelist Linda Clark, and a host of family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Saturday, April 22, 2017 at Fresh Fire Worship Center with Pastor Sharron Turner officiating.  Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12noon on Saturday at the Church.