- Date Of Birth: January 8, 1937
- Date Of Death: July 30, 2020
- State: Ohio
Martha was born in Alabama to William and Mary Lee Dale on January 8, 1937. On Thursday evening, July 30, 2020 at 83 years of age; she was called home from this earthly life.
Martha lived a very full life. Her God-given gift, talent and very being was enveloped in a ministry of music. From the age of three until just a few weeks ago, she was actively ministering musically.
At the start, Martha attended Paxey’s Play School and concurrently received piano training from Gertrude Canty at the Gertrude Canty Music Studio. After performing as a pianist for a children’s program on WOSU radio, Martha received further training from Marie Waller at the Waller Studio, Bexley; in addition to Dr. Haller, Professor at Capital University, Columbus where she learned to play the pipe organ. After performing four piano recitals at ages 3, 5, 9, and 11; Martha began to garner attention as a musical prodigy. While receiving her education at The University School (located on Ohio State University’s main campus), Martha performed as accompanist for three operettas: Red Mill, Desert Song, and Brigadoon. She also assisted with composing the school song. Other highlights Martha was excited about was being accompanist for the Junior Theater’s Performing Arts production of Peter Pan and playing for the late Vivian Walker in concert.
As a child, Martha attended St Paul A.M.E before fulfilling the call to serve as pianist and later church organist at Shiloh Baptist Church. She accepted her final call to serve as organist and pianist for Trinity United Church of Christ. Her music ministry lead her to serve as Pianist and in some cases Director for many choirs around and near Columbus, namely; The Choraleers, Union Baptist Church’s Young Adult Choir, Mt Vernon A.M.E.’s Gospel Choir, Christ Memorial Baptist Church’s Choir, Antioch Baptist Church’s Angelic Choir, Brentnell Extension Children’s Choir, Shiloh Baptist Church’s Women’s Chorus, Youth Choir, Children’s Choir, Chancel Choir, The Voices, The Senior Choir and Men’s Chorus; and Trinity United Church of Christ’s choir.
While it seems there would not be time for much else in her life; Martha was very active is raising and supporting her children’s development. She was actively involved with each school serving as President of several PTA’s and holding activities that helped to keep children safe. She fed the neighborhood and was like a Mom to many, leading many to refer to her home as a sort of “Central Community House”.
Martha worked for OSU Hospital, St Anns Hospital and received formal training to work as a Surgical Technician which she did at Grant Hospital for nearly 30 years.
Martha was predeceased by her Maternal Grandmother, Willie Mae Wright; Mother, Mary Lee Dale; Son, Elvin Wesley Dale; Grandchildren, Isaiah M. Walker and Spencer J. Walker. Her memories will live on through her children: Sharon Y. (Guy) Taylor; Tracey L. Dale; Anthony M. (Kelley Wilson) Dale; Tamara S. Jackson; and Robin E. Jackson. Grandchildren: Faith Dale, Guy Taylor, Brian Taylor, Charon White, Sherita Dale, Darius Dale, Tanisha Dale, Erica Jackson, Kurtrice Jackson, Montez (Jessica) Mickens, Anthony Prysock, DeAngelo Lucas, Camron Tuck, Derrick (Jazmine James) Craddolph, Andrea Craddolph, Jessica Jackson. Many great grandchildren, Adopted Sister- Elizabeth G. Rainey; Special friends: Fannie Jackson, Imogene Denton and classmates of The University School.
