Obituary

Rhoda A. Martin

Rhoda A. Martin, 87, Erie, Pennsylvania, passed away at home on July 26, 2026.  She was born in Mobile, Alabama, on August 29, 1938, and was the youngest daughter of the late Samuel Aaron Martin, Sr. and  Ellen Hampton Martin.  After the death of her parents, she was reared by Clara Anderson, grandmother, and thereafter by her uncle and aunt, the late Leroy and Mary Feagin.

Rhoda was a resident of Erie for over 60 years.  She worked at the historic Louis Marx and Company for several years assisting in the manufacture of iconic mechanical and manual toys.  She was a member of Second Baptist Church and Sons of the American Legion Barney/Smith Memorial Post 700 Ladies Auxiliary.  She had a love for family, fellowship, and volunteering.  She took pride in preparing meals for social and civic events and was well loved at the Judge's Corner, Erie, PA,  for her delicious culinary dishes.  She was an avid walker, an accomplished seamstress, and a masterful bingo player.

In addition to her parents, Rhoda was preceded in death by her eldest son Henry E. Martin and daughter Jo Cathy (Catherine) Martin Hendrix.  She was the last surviving of her siblings:   Samuel A. Martin, Jr. (Shirley), Clara Mae Martin Gore (Joseph), Paul Martin, and Joseph Martin (Annie).

Rhoda leaves to cherish her memory a son Kevin D. Martin, Sr., Pittsburgh, PA; grandchildren:  Donte Martin, Kansas City, KS;  Kevin D. Martin, Jr., Charlotte, NC; Jeriah Hendrix, Joy Hendrix, and Jairus Hendrix all of Pittsburgh, PA; three great-grandchildren; four generations of nieces and nephews, namely Henrietta Gore whom she esteemed as a sister; and a host of cousins and friends, including Gail Tate (her bestie).

Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Pitts Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 2926 Pine Ave., Erie, PA, beginning at 10:00a.m.  The Honorable Darrell K. Cook, Pastor, Second Baptist Church, will be the eulogist for the funeral service beginning at noon.  Burial at Lakeside Cemetery, Erie, PA, will immediately follow, and a repast hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary of Second Baptist Church is scheduled from 3:00p.m.-6:00p.m. at the Metroplex Entertainment Complex, 1843 Buffalo Rd., Erie, PA.