WILMINGTON — Pastor Eloise E. Martin was born in Washington, DC, on July 19, 1944. She was born to Martha B. Claggett Randolph and James Robert Randolph, Sr. She was the fifth child of ten children and was known as a loving and compassionate person for all people. She married William M. Martin, Jr., on February 13, 1965, who preceded her in death (October 6, 2017).
Pastor Eloise Martin devoted over 40 years of her life to serving the Lord, driven by a deep-seated joy and passion for helping others. Her faith journey began in the late 1970s when she and her husband joined forces to labor in the Vineyard, reaching out to lost, burdened, and entrapped individuals in their struggles. With a heart full of compassion, they worked tirelessly to bring hope and a brighter future to those in need.
Pastor Eloise Martin and her husband, Bishop William Martin, Jr., joined “The Master’s Child Church” in the early seventies under the tutelage of Bishop Melvin Robinson, Sr., and Jr., where they served for 34 years.
Pastor Martin pursued higher education at renowned institutions to further equip herself for her mission as a devoted servant of God. She studied at Rutgers University and the University of Utah, where she majored in alcohol and drug abuse. Her academic journey continued at the University of the District of Columbia, culminating with her studies at Northern Virginia Community College. This extensive education laid a solid foundation for her commitment to liberating people from their strongholds of substance abuse issues.
As a Social Service Representative with the District of Columbia Social Service Administration, Pastor Martin was a guiding light for many men and women for whom she specialized in Medicaid assistance. Her compassionate counseling empowered countless individuals to reclaim their lives and destinies.
Pastor Martin founded the Gospel Truth International Ministries with her late husband, Bishop William Martin, Jr., whom she cherished for 53 years. Initially held in the comfort of their home in Maryland, the church quickly became a sanctuary for many struggling souls.
Pastor Martin’s unique gift for identifying the root causes of pain and suffering brought healing and freedom to many who walked through their doors. She carried a powerful prophetic mantle and possessed extraordinary discernment, which she applied with great effectiveness in her ministry. She spoke the Word of God with authenticity and accuracy, impacting the lives of those who heard her. Her ministry extended beyond her local community; she was affiliated with Salvation and Deliverance Ministries in North Carolina, where the leadership of Apostle Anthony Richburg inspired her.
Few realized that Pastor Martin was also a highly esteemed intercessor. In the quiet of her private time, she engaged deeply in prayer and intercession with Father God, receiving divine direction to advocate powerfully in the Courts of Heaven for breakthroughs in the lives of those she ministered to.
Pastor Eloise E. Martin was a proud mother of four children; three preceded her in death—(a miscarriage) girl, LaVera A. Martin (deceased), Gregory M. Martin (deceased), and Kimberley Michelle Martin (surviving daughter).
Her spiritual daughters are Stephanie Berry, Donna Pearson, and Doris Agnew, among many others. She had close relationships with all her biological and spiritual children, grandchildren, and many other relatives.
Her grandchildren are Adrian Martin (Washington, D.C), LaPria Martin (Washington, D.C), Mehlia Anderson (Suitland, Maryland), Kabrina Burgess, Christina Newsome (Norfolk, Va.), and DaShawn Copeland (Maryland). Her great-grandchildren are Adrianna M. Gaiter, Amoni Springs, Tyrron Stuckey, and Alexander Stuckey.
Her sisters (six deceased) were Doris M. Randolph Jennings, Melva D. Randolph, Patricia A. Haggins, Cassandra Randolph, Zilpry J. Randolph, and Debra A. Randolph. Her brothers are Steven R. Randolph (Maryland), James R. Randolph, Jr. (deceased), and Maurice L. Randolph (deceased). One special sister (living), June C. Moe.
She leaves behind cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who love her dearly. Shana R. Caldwell (niece) was also a spiritual daughter with unconditional love. Pastor Eloise Martin’s passing was a significant loss, but her memory will live forever.
