Everett Leon Martin was born in Winston-Salem, NC, on December 15, 1958, to Everett Lee and Peggy Brown Martin.  He departed this life suddenly on February 13, 2022.  Leon attended the public schools of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County and in 1977, he graduated from East Forsyth High School.  After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where, after basic training and jump school, he became a paratrooper in the 82 ^nd Airborne, stationed at Fort Bragg, NC.  He was honorably discharged in 1980.  After moving back to Winston-Salem, he spent 2 years in the Army Reserve.  He also worked for RJ Reynolds, starting at Factory 64 and eventually working at the RJR Complex once it opened in King, NC.  After leaving RJR, he held numerous jobs.

In 1981, he married the former Glenda Sims, of Washington, DC.  Unto this union two children were born.  The marriage ended in 2001, but his love for his children did not wane.  He would often call trying to keep abreast of what was going on in their busy lives.  Leon had a profound love for family, especially his children Qia, EJ, Shannon and Shaneese, his sister Robyn, his aunts and uncles, and all of the many, many cousins he grew up with. Leon was one who loved life.  His jovial personality garnered him many friends throughout his life.

He departed this life suddenly and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.  He was preceded in death by his parents.  He leaves to cherish his memory daughter, Qia Martin Butcher (Eric) of Severn, MD; son, Everett Jamaal Martin of Nashville, TN; daughters, Shannon Lynch-McKoy (Christina) and Shaneese McKoy of the city; sister, Robyn Martin-Roseborough (Reginal) of the city; uncles, John Martin (Peggy) of Burgaw, NC, and Jerry Martin (Sadie) of Whitsett, NC; aunt, Claudette M. Kelly of Durham, NC; granddaughters, Isabella Butcher, Samaria McKoy-Phifer, Samya McKoy-Phifer, and Cali McKoy-Phifer; and a host of cousins, and good friends.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00pm Friday, March 4, 2022 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Reginald Yourse officiating.