Life's Journey

Jonathan Davarius Martin born on March 20, 1990 to Ms. Averial "Denise" Martin, Sampson Raley and Edward Jones.

Jonathan Davarius Martin was educated at Cross Roads Charter High School in Charlotte, NC. During his attendance he managed the school's basketball team "The Titans". He enjoyed a host of various activities such as JROTC, boxing, flag football, and he even ventured into Rap and singing on his church choir. Jonathan was a mentor, friend and a confidant to many children and students. After graduating from Cross Road he became one of the school's Behavior Modification Technicians (BMT) which gave him an opportunity to keep an eye on his high school sweetheart Crystal "Mookie" Jackson. He worked extremely hard and became the school's Security Director, which he LOVED all the way until the school's closing.

Jonathan was brought to church by his sweetheart where he redirected his life to GOd in 2008. Serving in the ministry where he was soon ordained  as youth minister under the tutelage of Pastor Tony T. Jackson Sr. New Deliverance Church Charlotte NC. Minister Martin served the Lord with purpose, poise and passion, leaving an image of Christ undeniably so that he drew in his mother, father, brother and niece.

On October 11, 2012 Jonathan D. Martin married his life long love Crystal Inez Jackson-Martin. Later in their union they would welcome children Jonathan Daniel Martin and soon to be born Jackson Davarius Tony Martin. Jonathan enjoyed working at West Mecklenburg HS (3yrs) and Garinger HS (1yr) as a BMT. He continued partnering with his best friend Coach Rufus Brown working vigorously for Elevation Prep basketball team. Helping children past and present to apply and attend college where even some became professional basketball players overseas.

He loved to take his son JD fishing and teaching him how to be "Fishers of Men for God". He taught him life lessons to grow by; to want not because everyone have but its a need; to obey his parents; to respect his family. Jonathan was very protective over his family. His mother Denise loved him unconditionally, Father Edward taught him well, How to Live, Love and Value Family.

Outside of ministry his passion was all about helping student he ran into whether it was a smile, hug or real tough love; he was the consistency they needed and he loved each of them.

He leaves to cherish his legacy his wife Crystal Inez Jackson-Martin, sons, Jonathan Daniel Martin and Jackson Davarius Tony Martin, mother, Averial Denise Martin, fathers, Sampson Raley Sr and Edward Jones, brothers, Brandon Jarrell Martin and Sampson Raley Jr, sister Samiya Raley, favorite cousins, Brandis Raley-Ross and Latoya Pratt, and a host of aunts, uncle, in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.