Ella Mae Martinez

August 4, 1939 ~ February 17, 2022

*LIFE ~ LOVE ~ LEGACY*

There's a new day; the sun has risen, birds are singing, there's a crispness in the air. Houston, TX, Tuesday, April 4, 1939, Ella Mae Mingo is born. A child so beautiful, Abram and Florence couldn't' resist naming their baby girl Ella which means " LIGHT ." Born into an already big family. Everyone was in suspense of whether another son would join Charles "Buster," Rayford, J.B, and Robert, or if their second daughter would be born to join Lucille. Whether a boy or girl, the family prayed for a healthy child. "Life, LOVE, and Legacy.

Growing up one of ten children, Ella was always surrounded by an abundance of love. Shortly after making her grand appearance, the family grew with four more children, Jr. Florence, Micky, and Henry.

The family moved to Denver, Colorado, while Ella was still in school. Ella was educated at Englewood Public Schools, attending Flood Junior High and Englewood High School, where she graduated.

Faith and the Lord Jesus Christ were an enormous part of the Mingo family's existence. Knowing the Lord and Savior was something that the entire family was raised with. The Mingo family were lifelong members of the East Denver Church of Christ. Even before her passing, Ella could be found worshiping in the Pews at Forest St. Church of Christ. At the East Denver Church of Christ, Ella met her soulmate Brother George W. Martin Jr. The two of them were married on April 2, 1959; a year later, they were blessed with their first daughter, Nisa'a (Tina), and three years later, their daughter Lisa Kaye.

Giving birth to Tina and Lisa was indeed Ella's most cherished accomplishment.

Ella worked as a medical technician with Ridge State Home before retiring. Ella's profession allowed her to help provide a home for her family. Her home to this day has been a place filled with life.

You could find Ella reading biographies; she loves learning about other people. She always loved listening to music. Yet country music was one of her favorites. At the same time, you could always hear Otis Redding echoing in the background. Ella was a diehard Broncos fan and loved old Cowboy and Western movies.

Ella was the foundation of her family, the glue that bonded it. Ella was the epitome of "Life, LOVE, and Legacy.

Ella's favorite time was spent with family, having family get-togethers. That is where Ella was happiest. And then her granddaughters Iram Abdullah and Ameera (Abdullah) Parker came along, and it just uplifted her even more. Ella enjoyed attending their academic and sporting events. Her life was even more enriched when her great-granddaughters Maeyah Anai (11) and Zaida Enay (7) were born.

Thursday, February 17, 2022, Ella crossed that crystal river where undoubtedly many more loved ones were waiting to greet her.

Her parents, Abram and Florence, grandparents, brothers, sister, and precious daughter Lisa. Ella was preceded in death by all her siblings except for Florence Spicer.

One could never LOVE someone as much and they will truly be missed. The life Ella lived will echo through eternity in the life of her daughter Nisa'a "Tina" granddaughters Iram Abdullah and Ameera (Abdullah) Parker and great-granddaughters Maeyah Anai, and Zaida Enay. And special friends Joyce, Deanna, and Marjorie "Life, LOVE, and Legacy."

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free.
I'm following the path God has chosen for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call;
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
to laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way;
I've found now peace at the end of the day.

If my parting has left a void,
then fill it with remembered joys.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss;
Oh yes, these things, I too will l miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
look for the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much;
good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.

Perhaps my time seems all too brief;
don't lengthen your time with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and peace to thee,
God wanted me now – He set me free.