Jerrold Martin

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Jerrold O’Brien Martin was born on March 4, 1965, in San Bernardino, CA, into a close family. His parents are: Samuel Martin and Ernestine Martin; his brothers are: Tony Martin and Dennis Martin; and his sisters are Sabina Davis, Joycelyn Turner, and Jessica Barnett.

Jerrold was a curious person, even at a tender age. He learned Bible truths early in life, which fed his desire to learn more about his Creator. Jerrold was an active young man and developed a love for Track & Field and music. As a Banning High School student in Wilmington, CA, Jerrold excelled at running and playing the drums. Jerrold ran the hurdles and did the long and triple jump. He was Drum Captain for the Banning High Marching Pilots and a member of the band Blaze for social events. Jerrold would go on to play with several bands throughout his lifetime.

Jerrold graduated from Banning High School in 1983, and due to his love for Jehovah, he was baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness on July 2, 1983. He later married Shelly Johnson on December 27, 1986, in Lynwood, CA. From this union of 22 years came two sons, Javan and Jamaal. Jerrold was a phenomenal parent. He cherished his sons and trained them to be spiritual men. They were a vital part of his life. Jerrold was delighted to see both of his sons happily married, which brought him pride and great joy. To support his family, Jerrold worked in the Telecommunication industry for decades and became a video engineer.

Jerrold caught Denise (“Neecy”) Harry’s attention with his captivating smile and gentle demeanor at a comedy show in Corona, CA, in March 2020. While dating, Neecy expressed her desire to remain in the Portuguese Congregation, and Jerrold was intrigued by the idea of serving in a foreign language. They discussed spiritual goals they could achieve as a couple, such as speaking to others about God’s Kingdom in foreign lands. Jerrold and Neecy were married on November 25, 2013, in Long Beach, CA.

Jerrold took on the challenge of learning Portuguese and joined the Riverside Portuguese Congregation. He never looked back! Jerrold put forth earnest effort to learn the language and took on many responsibilities in the congregation. Jerrold and Neecy enrolled in a rigorous Portuguese language class and thus began their beautiful journey, preaching to others in foreign languages and foreign lands. In early 2015, they went to the Dominican Republic and preached with a sign language congregation in Punta Cana. Then, in February 2015, Jerrold and Neecy graduated from the Portuguese class and continued to work hard at learning the language. Jerrold was appointed to serve as an Elder in the congregation. He lived by 1 Corinthians 15:58, “always having plenty to do in the work of the Lord...”

Jerrold had a passion for golf and shared many rounds with his closest friends. He loved being with the friends, and they loved being with him. Jerrold was known for responding quickly when someone asked for help. He was very resourceful and could fix almost anything. Jerrold loved being with family. He would often sneak up on you, especially if you were talking about him! Jerrold was very approachable and never judgmental. He looked for the good in people. His motto was “Let people be who they are, treat them accordingly, and respect their dignity.”

Jerrold was initially diagnosed with colon cancer in 2006, but the cancer came back after several years in remission. By 2015, Jerrold’s cancer had reached Stage 4. Many did not know he was ill because Jerrold was a doer, not a complainer. In June 2018, Jerrold and Neecy participated in a Special Preaching Campaign in the Boston, Massachusetts, area despite Jerrold’s medical challenges. In February 2019, they participated in another Special Preaching Campaign in Mozambique.

Jerrold set some other spiritual goals, and he was not to be deterred. One of his goals was to preach in rural Brazil, and the other was to give a public discourse in Portuguese. Jerrold realized both. In January 2020, Jerrold traveled to Bahia, Brazil, and participated in a Special Preaching Campaign for a month. Then, on January 9, 2021, while suffering debilitating pain, Jerrold realized his goal of giving a Portuguese language public discourse. He commented that he knew Jehovah’s Holy Spirit helped him. Jerrold fought long and hard and remained faithful to the very end. So much so, that he gave his last talk in the congregation three days before his passing.

Jerrold was a loving husband, devoted parent, dutiful son, encouraging brother, loyal friend, inspiring mentor, compassionate shepherd, and most importantly, a faithful servant of Jehovah. He lived by his motto, and that made it easy to love him.

Jerrold leaves behind family members, relatives, and friends to grieve for just a little while … until they see him again in Jehovah’s future paradise on earth.