A memorial service will be held 12:00 Noon on Friday, November 8, 2024, at O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home 3009 Chestnut Avenue, Newport News, VA.  Burial will follow in the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veteran's Cemetery, 5310 Milners Rd.  Suffolk, VA.  The Omega Service will be 6:00 P.M. on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home.

A Courtesy Of John H. Shaw's Son Funeral Home

OBITUARY

A TIME TO BE BORN
Steven Raphael Martin (aka S. Raphael) Martin was born April 22, 1949, in Newport News, VA to the late James Steven Martin and Jacqueline Bouldin Martin. His maternal grandparents, Sandy W. Bouldin ("Papa") and Eugenia Holmes Bouldin ("Big Mama"), and his paternal grandmother, Pearl Burress, preceded him in death.

A TIME TO GROW
He graduated from Huntington High School in the Class of 1967. He held a Master of Arts Degree in Education Administration/Leadership from New York University, Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics with a minor in Science from Norfolk State University in Virginia, Class of 1972. He held licenses issued by the Security Exchanged Commission (SEC), New York State insurance license, and a member of Metro NY Black MBA Association as well as the Kappa Delta Pi International Honors Society. His past professional career included outstanding sales/marketing performances with Xerox and IBM. Steven was a certified Sustainability Manager (CSM), and a Professional Futurist who was awarded a Strategic Foresight Achievement Certificate at the University of Houston.

A TIME TO LOVE
Steven became a member of Saint Alphonsus Catholic Church in Newport News, VA at an early age and there his spiritual journey to follow Christ was rooted. He loved and was loved by family and friends. He married in July 1972 and although years later their union ended, it was forever engraved in his heart. Steven never met a stranger, always passing along words of encouragement, strength and his "beyond compare" love to those who encountered him. As Steven's health declined, his sister Sandra in September 2024 moved him from NYC to North Carolina to care for him and to be closer to family. He moved onto eternity early Sunday morning October 6, 2024, at the home of his sister in NC.

A TIME TO SERVE
First Lieutenant Steven Raphael Martin served as a commissioned US Army, Signal Corps Officer (MOS 0205), Electronics & Communication Staff Officer (electrical engineer), and received an honorable discharge from Headquarters, US Army Arlington Hall Station, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Telecommunications. Steven was also an Educator, Liaison, Facilitator, Strategic Marketing & Innovation Management Consultant and way ahead of his time. He was a college instructor who taught college algebra & trigonometry, statistics, business mathematics, principles of management, business ethics, and sales presentation skills. Steven was a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Pi Gamma Chapter (1968) at Norfolk State College (University) in Norfolk, Virginia.

TO CHERISH FOND MEMORIES
Steven is survived by Sisters Sandra Martin Robinson (Marion "Sky") of Castle Hayne, NC and Sonya Martin Howard (Darryl) of Hampton, VA; Niece Trina Robinson-Isom (Tracey) of Wilmington, NC; Nephews Timothy Robinson of Wilmington, NC and Ezekiel Curry IV of Hampton, VA; Aunt Lorna Bouldin of Norfolk, VA; Great Nephews Joshua Robinson, Jeremiah and Josiah Isom, Ellis and Elijah Robinson all of Wilmington, NC, Kamari and Kamdyn Curry of Hampton, VA; Great-Great Niece Ava Storto of Ashville, NC; 1st Generation Cousins AniTsiltim Wangmo of Louisville, KY, Cathy Revelle (Thomas III) of Newark, DE, Wesley Burwell of Virginia Beach, VA, Vincent Bouldin (Letitia) of Norfolk, VA, Dr. John Bouldin (Julia) of Roanoke, VA, David Bouldin, Fairfield, OH and a host of other 2nd and 3rd generation cousins, relatives and friends. Jenny, a trusted family friend, and family (NYC) were truly "guardian angels" to Raphael especially as his health slowly declined within the last year.

Cards of condolence may be mailed to his sister: Mrs. Sandra M. Robinson, 31 Granny Road, Castle Hayne, NC 28429