Pearl Sewell Martin is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and received her early education in the Baltimore public schools. She earned the B.A. and M.A. degrees in art at Howard University, Washington, DC. She pursued further study in painting at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
She began her professional career in 1953 in the then Department of Art at Prairie View A&M University and, subsequently, served as itinerant art teacher for the Waller County Schools and as art teacher and librarian for the Waller Independent School District. She is well known in South East Texas for her art exhibitions as well as the exhibits of her students. Venues where she and her students have exhibited include: the annual Waller County Fair, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Texas Public School Districts, Howard University, Morgan State University, Xavier University, The University Of Houston At Clear Lake, Lamar University, and private shows like The One Woman Art Show At Tennessee State University. She and her students have received numerous First Place Awards for their exhibitions. Her paintings are hanging in several homes at Prairie View and Houston, Texas as well as in homes of individuals in several other states. Her most recent art exhibition was at the Prairie View A&M University Library, Public Events Room, from January 2013 through March 2013.
Pearl Martin was an active member of the Prairie View community since 1953, and is a member of the Zeta Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and is a "Golden Soror" having been a member for more than fifty years. She has served the sorority in various leadership capacities both locally and nationally. She has been a member of the Houston Chapter of the Links, Inc. since 1974, and has been designated the highest membership status as a Platinum member, for 36 years of active service. She has been recognized nationally by the organization.
Pearl was committed to service as evidenced by her active membership in several civic and social organizations including Jack and Jill of America, Education Committee for the Prairie View Federal Credit Union, Alta Vista Homeowners Association, and St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church.
For 62 years, Pearl was married to the late Dr. Edward W. Martin, Dean Emeritus of what is now the Brailsford College Of Arts and Sciences. Together, Pearl and "Eddie" reared three successful children who, in every way, honored their father and mother.
Pearl Martin is preceded in death by her beloved sisters Jeanette Randall and Shirley Randall of Baltimore, MD, brother-in-law Frank C. Martin of Sumter, SC and sister-in-law Nettie L. Martin Thompson of Raleigh, NC.
Pearl is survived by her two daughters, Andrea Michelle Carlson (Fred), Debra Yvette Holland (Jake), and son, Christopher Edward Martin. She is the doting grandmother of Taylor Yvette Holland, Cory Edward Carlson, Alexa Michelle Carlson and Jalen Sanderson Jeter-Martin.
Also surviving are her sister-in-law Leola G. Martin of Sumter, SC, loving nieces, Theresa Y. Martin of Atlanta, GA, Anita Cautia Martin of Sumter, SC and nephews Skylar Von Starghill of Baltimore, MD and Frank C. Martin II of Orangeburg, SC.
AN ICON HAS PAINTED HER FINAL CANVAS OF GREATNESS…