Obituary
Revelation 21:4 NLT “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
Rev. Kelly Lewis Martin Sr. was born to the Late Bettie Jean Cole in Greenville, South Carolina on May 15, 1958, but in the early hours of Sunday, August 2, 2026, God called his faithful servant home.
He was a member of the Lord’ Church in Ettrick Virginia under the leadership of Dr. Howard Moses Sr., Reverend Kelly Martin was officially installed into the Gospel Ministry as a Reverend, answering God’s call to faithfully preach and teach His word. He furthered his biblical education by attending Fredericks L. Ray Biblical Institute, where he earned a Master of Theology Degree. At the time of his passing, he was diligently pursuing his Doctorate in Theology, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to spiritual growth, biblical scholarship and serving the Kingdom of God.
A hardworking and dedicated professional, Kelly proudly served his country as a member of the National Guard for 14 years demonstrating honor, discipline, and a commitment to service.
Following his military service, he built an outstanding career in the construction industry, where his leadership, knowledge, and strong work ethic earned him the respect of coworkers and colleagues alike. He served as an Assistant Superintendent on numerous major construction projects throughout the United States before retiring as an Assistant Superintendent with Centex.
Throughout his career, he helped oversee the construction of many projects, including the Hopewell Jail, in Hopewell Virginia, Tobacco Row in Richmond, Virginia, Senior living developments in Colorado and Kansas and construction projects with Erickson Construction. He also served as Assistant Superintendent of Construction in Raleigh North Carolina where he continued to demonstrate excellence in planning, leadership, and project management.
Whether serving his country, leading construction teams, or mentoring others on the job, Kelly approached every responsibility with integrity, dedication, and a spirit of excellence. His work leaves a legacy in the communities he helped build and in the lives of those who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Whether in the pulpit, on a construction site, or serving his country, Kelly lived a life marked by faith, hard work, and service. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, church family and all who were blessed to know him.
In addition to his many accomplishments, he enjoyed bringing people together and along with a group of close friends they formed an organization, “The Delectable Heights” in Petersburg, Virginia. It was established to foster fellowship, friendship, and community, creating lasting and cherished memories among members. He valued the relationships formed through the organization and took great pride in its positive impact on the community.
Kelly had a special love for his RV and truly enjoyed traveling and creating lasting memories with his family and friends, Whether the journey was near or far, he treasured the time spent on the road, sharing laughter, fellowship, and unforgettable moments, with those he loved, For Kelly, traveling in his RV was more than just a pastime, it was one of the ways he enjoyed life, family, friendship and togetherness.
He was predeceased in death by his beloved mother, Bettie Jean Cole, sisters, Wakina Griffin and Tammy Holloway, brother, Dwight Hudgens, aunts, Joann Wallace and Sandra Anderson, uncle, Jerome Ware, cousin, Arthur Ware, nephews, Clarence Holloway and Julian Martin, father-in-law, Wilbert Sebbern Sr., sister-in-law, Teresa Dowtin, although they preceded him in death, we find comfort in knowing they are reunited in God’s eternal peace.
He leaves not to mourn his passing but to cherish many precious memories, his devoted wife, Niaretta, daughters, Kelitia and Deliska, sons, Kelly Jr., Kaylan, Taft(Shana) and Tawon, grandchildren, Kayia, Marquis, Chloe, O’Shae, JoAnn, Ardonis II., Brea, Jaron, London, Lauryn, Tahiry, Teshawn, Ebony, Alyssa and Dominic, great grandchildren, Ardonis III, Urban, and Ky’Mier, mother in law, Frances Sebbem, stepdad, James Cole, brother, Rev. Dr. Ronnie Martin(Tammie) sisters, Jackie Miller(James) and Candy Williams, sisters and brother in laws, Tina Jeffries and Mary Hudgens, Wilbert Sebbern Jr.(Lovetta) and a host of loving aunts, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Celebration of Life service for Rev. Kelly L. Martin will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church Of God In Christ 233 Halifax St. Petersburg, Va. Bishop Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr. MDiv. Pastor and Rev. Dr. Howard L. Moses, Sr. Pastor, The Lord’s Church, Ettrick Va. Eulogy, Officiating.
A public viewing will be held Friday, August 14, 2026, from 2:00p.m. to 8:p.m. at J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, 25824 Greensville Avenue, Petersburg, Va.
Interment will follow in the Blandford Cemetery, Petersburg Virginia
The family is asked to assemble at the residence at 12:45 p.m. on the day of service.
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed, allowing family and friends near and far to come together in prayer, reflection and remembrance. Please click here at time of service to join in the live stream.
Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of J. L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment 25824 Greensville Avenue Petersburg Virginia 23803 North Dinwiddie County, (804) 732-5959 and (804)834-3330. Bishop Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr. and Mr. Ricky E. Montgomery, Funeral Directors and Mrs. Eunice Lee, Funeral Directress. Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com. “Our Family Servicing Your Family”
To send a flower arrangement in memory of Rev. Kelly L. Martin, Sr.,, please click here to visit our sympathy store.