Griffin Speaks

CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR PAULINE STEPHENS MARTIN

Pauline Stephens Martin, who served as Chief of Staff until her retirement in 2005 for Lt. Governor Lucy Baxley passed away on September 19, 2006 at 3:30 p.m. in her home, surrounded by her loving family. Pauline’s funeral was held on Saturday, September 23, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at People Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. The service was a true celebration of Pauline’s wonderful life. 

Family, friends and former colleagues filled People Baptist Church to celebrate Pauline’s life and to pay tribute to her. Lt. Governor Lucy Baxley gave special remarks. She said that she had met no person she admired more than Pauline. Sheron Rose one of Pauline’s closest friends also gave a moving tribute. Pauline’s brother, Rev. Sylvester Washington of Los Angeles, Ca. sang beautifully “I Won’t Complain”. The most moving tribute came from Pauline’s only child, Jamila Smith. Jamila brought many to their feet when she sang the song her mother most loved to hear her sing, “His Eye Is On The Sparrow.” 

Pauline S. Martin was born to Pauline Stephens and the late Selma Gamble on October 21, 1953 in Montgomery, Alabama. Pauline was a dedicated employee of the State of Alabama for over thirty years. During her tenure with the State of Alabama she served in many positions earning the reputation of being a State Employee who could get things done. 

Pauline attended Booker T. Washington High School and later graduated from Jefferson Davis High School in 1971. Pauline at an early age was baptized at White Cloud Baptist Church in Ramer, Alabama. Pauline fought a long and courageous battle against Lung Cancer.  

Pauline is survived by her husband, Samuel L. Martin; her daughter Jamila (Jayson) Smith of Memphis, TN; mother, Pauline Stephens; sisters, Catherine (Timothy) Rogers of Mechanicsville, MD, Loni (Paul) Green of Marietta, GA, Rochelle Baker of Montgomery, AL; brothers, Sylvester (Earlee) Washington of Los Angeles, CA, Willie George (Diane) Stephens of Philadelphia, PA, Walter Stephens of Montgomery, AL, Marvin Stephens of Pheonix, AZ; one grandchild, Jayson Smith Jr., and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends. 

I met Pauline Martin in 1985. A friend of mine Greg Jones invited me to travel to Montgomery with him to meet a few people. We were hoping to meet Lt. Governor Bill Baxley, but he was not in. Greg did however introduce me to Bill Baxley’s secretary, Pauline. At that time she was Pauline Jackson. I was extremely impressed with her. I would not meet her again until 1987 when I became an Assistant Attorney General. It was through my friendship with Sheron Rose that I got to know and become friends with Pauline. Pauline I can truly say was one of the most wonderful people I have ever known. Pauline was always on my list of persons to visit when I ventured into the State House. We had many mutual friends. 

Pauline will be truly missed by her family and many friends. She would have been very pleased with the lovely celebration of her life. Rev. Robert Wagstaff a close friend of Pauline’s delivered a beautiful and touching Eulogy. I believe that Rev. Wagstaff said it best, “A man has power, but a woman has influence.” Pauline was truly one of the most influential women in Alabama for a very long time. Pauline helped a lot of people throughout her life. As she said on so many occasions “we must continue to LIVE STRONG!”