TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE
John C. Martin, Jr. 1963-2024 Educator
J ohn C. “Marty” Martin, Jr. (Alpha Delta 1985) entered the Chapter Invisible on November 15, 2024. John Clinton Perkins, Jr., was born on May 23, 1963, to Annie Irene Battles Martin and the late John C. Sr. His early years were spent in Nashville, where he attended Kings Lane Elementary, Ewing Park Middle School, Maplewood High School, and Whites Creek Comprehensive High School. At Whites Creek, he played snare drum in the band, on the basketball team, and was the co-cap- tain of the track team. After graduating high school, Martin attended Fisk University in Nash- ville, proudly competing in sports under his father and coach. Martin excelled in the decathlon and earned the honor of Most Outstanding Athlete in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference for two consecutive years. After graduating from Fisk with a B.S. in biology, Martin moved to Dover, DE
“MARTIN WORKED IN SALES BEFORE TRANSITIONING TO A CAREER IN EDUCATION.”
Education Committee, Calendar Committee, Super Senator Day Committee, and Strategic Plan Core Team. A Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Martin took great pride in working with the Senior Kappa Com- mittee, fostering fellowship and joy among his brothers. Marting was also a master of the microphone, serving as an emcee for sports contests, tournaments, weddings, and community events. He was the voice of the annual Capital Classic basketball tournament for middle school athletes, where his animated catchphrase, “He/ she makes it!” brought excitement and smiles when a student scored a basket. Brother Martin is survived by his devoted wife and best friend of 37 years, Ronica Ridley-Martin; his mother, Annie Irene; two sons, John III and Joshua (Jahnetta); his cherished grandson, Yasiin; three sisters, Linda Stewart (Phil), Michele Rush (Leroy Sr.), and DeDe Ashton (Russell). ♦
to join his father, who had accepted the role of Athletic Director at Delaware State University. Martin worked in sales before transitioning to a career in education. Martin became a science teacher at Holy Cross Elementary and the head boys basketball coach at Holy Cross High School. Alongside Coach Pat Lynn, Marty proudly guided the team to its first state tournament win-a milestone that filled him with pride. In 1991, Martin joined the Capital School District as a 6th-grade science teacher at William Henry Middle School. After teaching in the Capital School District for 11 years, Martin moved into leadership, which extended across multiple roles, includ- ing Assistant Principal at Middletown High School in
the Appoquinimink School District, Principal in the Lake Forest and Christina School Districts, and Special Education roles in the New Castle County Vo-Tech and Brandywine School Districts. Most recently, he served as a Special Educa- tion Consultative Teacher at Harlan Elementary support- ing students in the 3rd grade. Martin was elected to the Capital School District Board of Education in 2014. He served three terms, bringing a unique blend of preparation, humor, and vision to his role. He was elected Vice President of the Board for two terms (2016-2018) and President for two terms (2018-2020). He worked on numerous committees, including the Career and Technical
SPRIMG 2025 ♦ THE JOURNAL 85
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