Mr. Raymond L. Martin Sr.

Raymond Lateef Martin was born in Norfolk, Virginia on June 27, 1977 and went to the Lord on November 29, 2024. He was married to Bonnie Doster-Martin, and their union united and created Rayven, Jazmyn, Raiziah, Sanai, Melody, Raymond Jr. (Prince), Raychelle, Raiden, Rayan and Raysun. Raymond (Ray) went to Granby High School where he played and stared on the football, basketball, and track teams. At the end of his decorated high school career, he was offered multiple athletic scholarships to continue his passion of football, but ultimately decided to attend Virginia State University (VSU) in Petersburg, Virginia. While attending VSU, he joined the organization of Omega Psi Phi, where he immediately gained seven brothers that he loved dearly. When Raymond returned home after receiving a Bachelors in Engineering with a Masters in Industrial Engineering he applied for several jobs and became a member of Gethsemane Baptist Church. He started working at Norfolk State University shortly thereafter. He maintained his career in HVAC there for eight years but ultimately decided he was missing his calling as a counselor for at-risk youth and early childhood education students. Raymond started working at Hope House where he quickly gained the respect and love of the residents and staff there. At Hope House, he built relationships with the residents so much so they would call him on his day off just to chat. Raymond was a natural speaker and could command a crowd or a small intimate gathering with insightful theories and soul assuring philosophies. Realizing that there was an opening at Harbor Point Behavioral Health Center, he applied and after a couple of training sessions (he hadn’t even met the children yet), Raymond knew that Harbor Point was the place for him to begin his life’s purpose. Raymond was a loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. Whenever they needed him, he was there. He loved calling his wife, children, and brothers to give them words of advice and love, helpful scriptures, tell them about the newest “conscious reggae” song he came across, or a YouTube video that highlights a book he read, regardless of the time of day. If it hit his mind, he was hitting their phone. He always made sure their spiritual, emotional, physical and educational well-being were intact, which he learned from his Dad. Raymond looked forward to traveling to games to see his children play sports and was eager to give them a list of what to work on. Ray cheered on every accomplishment and helped them understand the humbleness that life brings with their disappointments. He was a great protector and provider that would show up even when his children didn’t want them to, like their dates and closed practices. His sons always knew to be ready because you never knew when daddy would ask you a spiritual, educational, or sport question. He loved physical competitions with them and would just walk into a quiet room where his children were and would say “give me twenty” and everyone would drop for push-ups including the girls. He was preceded in death by his biological mother, Betty Craddock, brother, George A. Martin and grandfather George W. Martin Sr. Raymond leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Bonnie Doster-Martin; his children, Rayven, Jazmyn, Raiziah, Sanai’, Melody, Raymond Jr. (Prince), Raychelle, Raiden, Rayan, and Raysun; his father, George W. Martin Jr., step/physical mother, Perrethia Martin; one sister, Nikki Harris; two brothers, Eric Harris and Jordan Harris; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Please keep the Martin family in your thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Raymond L. Martin Sr.

June 27, 1977 - November 29, 2024