Janie Green-Martin

HER STORY - Janie Green-Martin was born to Clint and Lillie Green on April 1, 1944, in Jenkinjones, West Virginia. She was the first of seven children. On August 23, 2025, at the age of 81, Sister Janie Green-Martin transitioned to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Janie gave her life to the Lord at an early age and was educated in McDowell County, West Virginia.  She graduated from Gary District High School in 1962. She “vacationed” in Columbus for a year and subsequently returned home. In June of 1963, she and her sister, Kathy, moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where she worked for many years. She eventually settled in Columbus and became employed at Grant Medical Center where she retired after over 30 years of dedicated service.  Sister Janie was a prayer warrior, carefully guided and mentored by members of the Prayer Band
who met weekly at the home of her aunt, Evangelist Annie Edwards. She was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church for approximately 50 years where she taught Children’s Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and was also a member of several ministries. She loved the Lord and was truly a WILLING WORKER until her health began to decline, and she could no longer attend services and fellowship on a regular basis. Singing was a special gift, and she loved using that gift in service for God. She sang in the church choir, gospel groups, and often sang solos. She was usually the leader of the impromptu groups that were quickly put together when visiting different churches in West Virginia. Her voice blessed many people.

Janie was a woman of many passions. She loved cooking. There was always a special recipe for various occasions. Everyone from co-workers, church and/or family members always knew that they could call on her for that special meal or dessert if you wanted it done right and on time. She also had a special love for children. She was the person to call when you were in need of childcare. It is impossible to give an accurate number of the children she cared for over the years, but we can truly say that she loved each of them. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the special angel, Sameeka “POOCH” Martin, who came into her life over 40 years ago. She was her little Miss Sunshine. Oh, what love she had for that child over the years. We truly love and appreciate the love that Sameeka returned so willingly to Janie right up until the end. Those who knew Janie often described her as STRICT, loving, faithful, and always willing to help others.

Janie was preceded in death by her father, Clint Green; mother, Reverend Lillie Williams; brother, Samuel Strange; and sisters, Margaret Green and Sandra Ross.

She leaves to cherish her memories: her beloved husband of 39 years, Clifford (Ted) Martin; brother, Pastor James (Janet) Green; sisters, Dorothy (William) Craft and Katherine Sharp; aunt, Marion Scales; goddaughter, Sameeka Martin; stepchildren, Kimberly McGrapth and Clifford (Teddy) McGrapth; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, many friends, and all of the children she loved and nurtured over the years.

“Thou shall guide me with thy counsel and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” - Psalm 73:24-26 (NIV)

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