Rev. David Jerome Martin

Rev. David Jerome Martin was born on November 13, 1952 to the late Jessie Gerald and Annie Clara Martin. He departed this life on March 30, 2020 following a brief illness. He was a graduate of Gainesville High School, Class of 1972. He also graduated from Lanier Technical College with an Associate’s Degree.  David was a staunch believer in continuing education. He attended Toccoa Falls College, Gwinnett-Hall Baptist Bible College, and Beulah Heights Bible College where he attained his Bachelor of Divinity Degree in 2001. 

On June 10, 1972, David married Cornelia Hill of Elberton, Georgia.  From this union came four children, one son and three daughters. David worked as a millwright in the maintenance department of SKF Bearings for 38 years.  David accepted Christ at an early age at St. Paul United Methodist Church. He united with Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church under the pastorate of Rev. B.S Robinson.  There he served with great attentiveness in several church departments including the Sunday School Superintendant, Steward Board Pro-Tem as well as Associate Minister.     

With a willing and humble heart, David accepted the call to ministry and was licensed to preach on May 10, 1984.  During his tenure, Rev. Martin severed as the pastor for St. Paul AME Church in Siloam, GA, Salem AME Church in Farmington GA, St. James AME Church in Athens GA, St. Mark AME Church in Athens, GA, and New Hope AME Church in Hoschton, GA.  

Rev. Martin’s final call to ministry was the Harper-Smith House, Incorporated where he served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. He served the Harper-Smith House faithfully and enthusiastically, leading the effort to establish it as a historical site, and a non-profit organization.  Following a devastating fire, he led the members of the board to restore the Harper-Smith House building to what it is today. He was also instrumental in the start of educational classes and initiated a Men’s Bible Study on Tuesday nights.  Rev. Martin, a quiet and humble man, was always willing and ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. 

Rev. Martin was preceded in death by his son, David MaShunMartin and his Aunt Thelma Thornton. Those who are left to cherish his memory include a devoted wife of 48 years, Mrs. Cornelia Hill Martin of Gainesville, GA; three daughters, Mrs. Angela (Darrell) Howard of Helena, AL; Ms. Tiffanie Martin and Ms. Clarissa Martin of Gainesville, GA; two grandchildren, Jaden and Joshua Howard of Helena AL; one sister, Mrs. Geraldine Wells of Gainesville, GA; one sister in law, Mrs. Earnestine Bonds of Gainesville, GA; one brother in law Mr. Robert (Betty Jo) Hill of Gainesville,  GA;  a devoted niece,  Mrs. Brenda Hill-Gilmore of Grayson, GA; nephews Mr. Kevin (Sonya) Wells of Charleston, SC, Mr. Bryan Wells, Mr. Eric Wells, and Mr. Corey Wells all of Gainesville; a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends, and his special fur baby, Chance The Barker. 

In lieu of flowers the family is asking that you make a donation to the Harper Smith House:

Harper Smith House Inc. 
900 Mill Street SE  
Gainesville, Ga 30501

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 3, 2020 at Wimberly Funeral Home between the hours of 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Funeral service will be private. Professional Services Entrusted to Wimberly Funeral Home.