Devin Taron Naceo Martin

It all began on a Monday, November the 16th, 1981, Cynthia and Frank welcomed a bouncing baby boy whom they named, “Devin Taron Naceo Martin”. Devin was baptized at Wildewood Baptist Church. He shared his critical years with his Paw-Paw and Nanny, ain’ Lolo for guidance, direction, love, nurturing, comfort, and privileges. Devin’s educational matriculation was spent at Millwood Public Schools with him being a proud graduate with the class of 2000. Devin later went on and studied at Langston University. Devin’s life was Impactful, his charisma radiated when he walked into a room. Devin was known by his starched jeans and was matching his colors since he wore garanimals. He always maintained his impeccable fashion sense. He was creative, talented, and musically inclined - played baritone & tuba. He played basketball, football, and softball. He ran track with the Eastside Steppers, Millwood Falcons, and Troy High School, Troy Illinois. He was influenced by Millwood Alumni. He was considered a Military Brat. He traveled extensively throughout his lifetime. He never met a stranger, and could make something out of nothing. Devin’s personality shined bright like a light upon a hill. His personality was magnetic. He had a heart of gold. If you were with him, you did not need to worry about anything. He treated people royally-like VIP. He was a multi-tasker, hard-worker, always looking out, all gas, no brakes, promoter, hype-guy, supporter, and encourager. Money did not make him, he made money. As an entrepreneur, he always found ways and means through cutting grass, selling snow cones & snacks, promoting events/entertainment, He represented the 405 area code wherever he went and specialized in creating an entanglement of people’s skills to meet other people’s needs. The result appeared as a beautifully woven tapestry or a spectrum of brightly lit kaleidyscope of colors. He mingled with the various classes of people. He exhibited a keen sense of networking ability. Devin cared deeply for those he loved. He was favored by God and man. He treated people like they were all that mattered and lived life on his own terms. He was the life of the party and displayed character traits of loyalty, and honesty. His word was his bond. His name meant something! He loved himself, life, family, friends,his children, relationships, but most of all, Devin T.N. Martin loved you. His sayings include: “don’t worry ‘bout nothin’, I’ve got you, I love you, when I eat, we all eat.” Devin will be most remembered by the ‘good times.’

Those left to cherish the memories of Devin are his mother, Cynthia Jean Sweet-Gillion (Jimmy G. Gillion, husband), Frank Naceo Martin (Father), Daughters: Aalauna Anmarie Martin, (Chris) - (Mother-Florice Tisha Prince), Sevynn Cyncere Martin (Mother-Sasha Roberts) Paternal Grandfather: Frank Martin Sr. Paternal Grandmothers: Mattie Stell-Hopkins, Phyllis A. Martin Maternal Grandmothers: Mildred Sweet-Ward (Nanny) Douglas Ward (Paw-Paw), Pairlee Roby-Gillion (Jimmy Grant Gillion, Son) Great-grandmother: Mildred Parks-VIck (Guy Sr.) both deceased, Great-great grandmother Elnora Parks-Wilson (Robert Sr.) both deceased Maternal Grandfathers: Eugene Sweet Jr., Great grandfather, Eugene Sweet Sr. (Zenobia Berry) both deceased, Great-great grandfather Andy Sweet (Ella) both deceased. Brothers from other mothers: John Michael Alexander (Elisa Bartolini) - Italy, Nathan Johnson (Jewell Rhodes) Latif Thomas-deceased, DeMarco Gillion (deceased) (Mother-Jackie Thomas) Anthony Wayne Brown (Della Ward & Norris Brown), Sisters: Jimmecia Kamree Gillion, his first sister/cousin was the late, Demetra Boyce ‘Meechee’ (Lehmantre’ and Cadrean’s mother). Whitney Loften, Shawn Carolina, Brothers: Kevon Lofton, (Carol Lofton-mother)Tommy Threatt, (Latina Threatt-mother) Kyle Bester, (LaQueta Bester - mother) Adrian Lacy (Sherry Lewis - mother). Uncles: Renalda Hopkins Sr. (Brenda Seals-Hopkins, Sheila), Leonardo Hopkins Sr. Cheryl Traylor-Hopkins), Greg Martin, Darnell Ward (deceased), Christopher Ward (Victoria Strain-Ward) - El Paso Texas, Bernard Gill, Racine Wisconsin, Steve Gill, Mark Gill, California, Eugene Caldwell, Herbert Caldwell-deceased (Yvonne Moore Taylor) Tacoma Washington, Tyrone Watson, Saint Louis, Missouri, Terry Gordon, Chicago, Roy Sweet, Eugene Sweet (Monica McClendon, Ft. Stewart, Georgia - Sweet, Patrina McCauley-Sweet), Washington, Deceased, Derrick Johnson, Lehman Boyce(Lourie Sweet), father of late Demetra Boyce, 1st Cousin), Johnny Boyce (deceased) Great Uncles: Roy Lee Sweet (Sharon Wedgeworth) both deceased, Napoleon Sweet (Geraldine Glover), Great-Great Uncles: Harding Sweet- deceased (Lemeyser Wedgeworth), Lee Sweet (Debra Boone) both deceased, Andy ‘Shorty’ Sweet, (Sophia), Edward Berry (Lola Woods, Texas) Military Uncles: Ron Lewis, Quincy Boyd (Phalanda Boyd), Don Towner (Janet Towner), Michael Zollicoffer (Marcy), Chief Harold Wilson - deceased (Gwendolyn Wilson) Paternal Ainees: Carmen Nelson (Chester Nelson Sr.), Angela Martin, Charlotte Nelson Maternal Ainees: Lourie Sweet-Scott (Andre), Della Ward-Jones (Jeff) - Kansas City Missouri, Josette Ward (Desmond), Patricia Gillion, Janice Gillion, Ruby Maples (Kenny-deceased), Mary Caldwell-Evans (Bobby), Michelle Gillion-Hill (Keith), Wanda Caldwell, Beatrice Gillion & Barbara Gillion (deceased), Yvette Lewis (deceased) Great Ainees: Ellen Jean Vick (deceased), Ester Vick-Blaine (Richard), Laretha Vick, Mary Vick-Garrison (Nathaniel) Great-Great Ainees: Moena Wilson(deceased), Rosetta Jean Sweet-Coleman (94), Beulah Sweet-Lewis (Napoleon), Espanola Sweet-Shaw, (Silas), both deceased, Audrey Mae Butler (Sam) both deceased, Aunt Mable Vick-Mukes (Jody) both deceased Great Uncles: Guy Vick Jr. (deceased), Dwight Wayne Vick (deceased), David Leroy Vick Sr., John Wayne Vick Sr.(Kathryn Guyton), Jesse Earl Vick, Willie Eddie Vick Sr. (deceased) Great-Sister/Best-Friend Ainees: Gloria Wallace, Mercedes LaCue (deceased), Wanda Faye Hammonds-Owens, (Jackie-deceased)

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Romans 12:19 KJV

What’s understood does not need to be explained!

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