Dr. DeWitt DeWayne Martin

Obituary For Dr. DeWitt DeWayne Martin

Reverend Dr. DeWitt DeWayne Martin, age 81, of Memphis, Tennessee, peacefully transitioned on Sunday, March 22, 2026, leaving behind a profound legacy of excellence, strength, and enduring love.

Born on September 16, 1944, to Charlene Turner (Martin) and the late James Edward Martin, DeWitt was a treasured son—affectionately regarded as the apple of both his mother’s and his maternal grandmother, Erma Cannon’s, eyes—and a source of deep pride and joy to his family. He was nurtured in a foundation of love that was both tender and steadfast. His paternal grandparents, Alex and Bertha Martin, also cherished him deeply, surrounding him with wisdom, warmth, and unwavering affection that helped shape the man he would become.

He was a devoted and beloved brother to maternal siblings Patricia Martin Hairston and Larry Montel Mallory, and fraternal siblings Kimberly Martin Lewis, Tasha Martin House, and Renwick Martin.

Dr. Martin shared a special and lasting bond with his cousins—Regina McGlaun (Jefferies) deceased, Sandra McGlaun (Watkins) deceased, Rosaland McGlaun (Robinson) deceased , and Acquanitia McGlaun (Moxley). Together, they formed a close-knit circle of love and kinship, creating a tapestry of cherished memories filled with laughter, joy, and a steadfast connection. Their relationship was a beautiful reflection of family unity at its finest.

At an early age, Dr. Martin accepted Christ at Saint Paul Baptist Church, laying a spiritual foundation that would guide and sustain him throughout his life. A proud alumnus of Melrose High School, Class of 1962, he demonstrated an early commitment to excellence and learning.

He continued his academic journey at Lane College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. His passion for knowledge led him to further studies at Tennessee State University and Syracuse University. In recognition of his faith, leadership, and service, he was later conferred the Doctor of Divinity Degree from Virginia Union University.

Dr. Martin devoted his life to education, beginning his distinguished teaching career at Humes Junior High School in Memphis. He later retired as an Instructional Facilitator at Oakhaven High School after 44 years of dedicated service within Memphis City Schools. Notably, he broke barriers as the first African American male to serve as an Instructional Facilitator in the district—an achievement that stands as a testament to his leadership, perseverance, and excellence.

A proud and devoted alumnus of Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee, Dr. Martin’s love for his Alma Mater inspired a lifetime of service. Recognizing an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way—and encouraged by fellow Lane College Alumni—he answered the call to run for National Alumni Association President, embracing the opportunity to serve the institution he so deeply loved.

He was elected National Alumni Association President and served with distinction from 2016 to 2019. A true servant leader, Dr. Martin brought vision, growth, and transformative influence to the role, elevating both its purpose and impact. During his tenure, he strengthened the Association by promoting transparency, fostering unity among Alumni classes, expanding membership, and increasing support for the College. Through his earnest devotion, dedication and pride, he embodied the spirit of Lane College—a Lanite through and through.

A man of deep commitment and brotherhood, Dr. Martin was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, in 1964 at Lane College, Kappa Sigma Chapter, Fifth District, in Jackson, Tennessee. A Life Member, he later affiliated with the Epsilon Phi Alumni Chapter in Memphis, Tennessee. Throughout his years of service, he held numerous offices on both local, state, and national levels and received many honors recognizing his tireless commitment. Dr. Martin truly exemplified the sacred principles of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift.

Dr. Martin leaves to cherish his memory his beloved mother, Charlene Turner Martin; loving siblings, Patricia Martin (Joe) Hairston and Larry Montel (Bobby) Mallory; Kimberly Martin (Millard) Lewis of Waco, TX; Tasha Martin (Darrell) House of Flint, MI; Renwick (Beshon) Martin of Detroit, MI; his dear cousin, Acquanitia McGlaun (Thomas) Moxley; his last surviving aunt, Robertha Petty-Simmons of West Des Moines, IA; his uncle, James E. Scott of Oxford, MS; Marcus McNeal of Memphis, TN, and a host of extended family members, fraternity brothers, colleagues, former students, and friends whose lives were richly blessed by his presence.

Well done, good and faithful servant. Your work is finished, your crown is earned, and your legacy lives on in every life you touched.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 3, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home, 3651 Austin Peay Highway, Memphis, TN 38128.

An Omega Omega Service will take place on Saturday, April 4, at 10:00 a.m.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 4, at 11:00 a.m. at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 767 Walker Avenue, Memphis, TN 38126. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Interment will follow immediately after the service at Memorial Park Cemetery on Poplar Avenue.

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