Edward Meredith Martin

Son of the late Leamon and Alta Marie Blue, EDWARD MEREDITH MARTIN was born on March 21, 1947. He was the second of seven children: Ernestine, Evelyn, Ellen, Earl, Elsa, and Elroy. On Thursday, October 23, 2025, God called him home. Edward was preceded in death by three sisters and one brother — Rev. Ernestine M. Price (Willie “Charles”), Elsa A. Blue, Evelyn Witherspoon (Jerome), and Elroy Blue (Elizabeth) — as well as one nephew, Anthony J. Moses; four uncles, Joseph (Roberta), Howard (Alberta), Vernon, and George (Nina) Hillery; one aunt, Ruth Hillery-Stokes (Leon); and an ex-wife, Joyce Martin, who all welcomed him into eternal rest. Affectionately known as “Marty” to family and friends, he received his formal education through the Baltimore City Public Schools System, where he acquired the foundation to become a self-made man. Marty worked in the upholstery industry for over thirty years, applying creativity and reinvention to every project he took on. Known throughout Baltimore City as “the slipcover man,” he built a loyal customer base who admired his craftsmanship and dedication. Marty loved science fiction and was an avid Star Trek fan — “Space: the final frontier; these are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise.” A deep thinker and engaging conversationalist, he was also an avid reader and a talented artist. His home was adorned with his own original paintings, each a reflection of his imagination and skill. When asked how much he charged for them, he would smile and say, “Nothing. When I leave this earth, I want everyone who knows me to have one of my paintings in their home.” A lover of music of all genres, Marty’s eclectic record collection filled his home. He often spent days in Druid Hill Park, joyfully playing the djembe alongside a community circle of friends and fellow musicians. Throughout his life, Marty carried many nicknames — “Blue,” “Marty Mar,” and “Chak.” He was a strong man and a natural leader, deeply respected by all who knew him. Passionate about the welfare and safety of his people, he dedicated much of his life to the cause of Black liberation. Combining revolutionary ideology with community-centered action, he rose to leadership within the Black Panther Movement, becoming a voice for empowerment and justice. In June 1985, Marty met Anita, who became the love of his life. They married in November 1997 and remained devoted to one another until his transition. Marty filled their home with his cherished brass horse collection and figurines gathered from around the world, all of which he kept polished and pristine. Gifted with a green thumb, he took pride in maintaining one of the most vibrant, flower-filled yards on the block. Edward leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Anita; two sons, Marty and Kenneth; one daughter, Nichol; his brother, Bishop Earl Blue (Carolyn); his sister, Ellen Daniels (Eugene); and three grandchildren, Quolanda, Tyler, and Kennedy. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family who celebrate his remarkable legacy. To his youngest stepdaughter, Taheera Abdullah, the family extends gratefulness for all the aid you provided to ensure Marty’s arrangements and affairs were appropriately managed. Your advocacy and commitment to preserving his dignity is recognized and appreciated. To his grandsons through marriage, Kenyawn Hillery and Tyrone Simpson — who frequently answered the call to care for Marty in his later years, providing support and giving Anita moments of rest — the family offers heartfelt gratitude. Your compassion and presence will never be forgotten.

Tributes

Edward Meredith Martin

March 21, 1947 - October 23, 2025