John Henry Martin, Jr., aka "Jake", was born on September 28, 1936 to John Henry and Mattie Massey Martin in W-S, NC.  John, a lifelong resident of the city, was called home on February 20, 2017.

John attended the Winston-Salem public schools and graduated from Atkins High School in 1954.  John attended North Carolina Central University and received his Bachelor's degree in Mathematics in 1958.  During his sophomore year at NCCU, he met Lillian Foster from Spindale, NC and they were married in 1958.  The couple were the proud parents of three children, Vanessa, Christopher, and Deidre.

John Henry was a retired educator who taught math in Warren County, Lexington City, Winston-Salem public schools, and Winston-Salem State University.  Musically, he was an excellent trumpet player, and also coached basketball, football, and baseball at Philo Middle School.

John, a faithful member of United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, served with the Summer Youth Camp, After School Tutorial Program, and Church Orchestra.  He was a member of the Social Promoters, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and the North Carolina Central University Alumni Association.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Lillian in 2011; brothers, Theodore Massey and Edward Martin; sister, Juanita; and grandson, Jason.

John leaves a rich legacy that will live on in the hearts of his daughters, Vanessa Martin Fisher of W-S, NC and Deidra M. (Dwayne) Cherry of McDonough, GA; son, Reverend Christopher S. (Wynette) Martin of Kernersville, NC; grandchildren, Ryan Martin, Terrell Martin, Jasmine Fisher, Chaz Cherry, and Micayla Martin; great-granddaughter, Meyer Wilson; sister, Carol; brother-in-law, Caldwell Patrick (Shirley) Foster of Dayton, OH; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Homegoing services will be held at 12noon Monday, February 27, 2017 at United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend Prince Raney Rivers officiating.  Interment will follow in Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12noon on Monday at the Church.  The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Omega Omega Service will be held at 5:00pm Sunday, February 26, 2017 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel.