Jamal Rami Martin

Jamal Rami Harris Martin Jamal Rami Harris Martin transitioned over to be with the Lord on Friday, January 11, 2013.

Jamal was born at Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia, on August 8, 1978.

He gave his life to Christ when he was 10 years old at Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia. He rededicated his life to Christ in 2001 at Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, Maryland. He graduated from Kings Kids Christian Academy and attended Hackensack High School in Hackensack, New Jersey, and Suitland High School in Suitland, Maryland. He lived in Suitland, Maryland, where he worked in the towing business as a tow truck driver for over 10 years. Jamal is survived by his mother, Cynthia Harris Elder; stepfather, Lawrence Elder; and his dad, Theodore "Tee" Francis. He is also survived by his six beautiful babies, Daquon Rami White, 16, of Garfield, New Jersey, JaNya Unique Harris, 10, Annajah Renee Harris, 5, and Julia Starr Harris, 4, of Washington, D.C., Leon Rami Harris, 4, and Cyn'Jia Rael Harris, 3, of Suitland, Maryland. He loved his babies dearly. He loved taking them to the park to play to have fun. He enjoyed going to the D.C. Wharf to get crabs. He did whatever he could to make sure his children were closely connected to his family. They all loved him dearly and will have wonderful memories of their father to cherish. The wonderful mothers of his children, Raushanah White of Garfield, New Jersey, Angela Triggs of Washington, D.C., and Tanisha Wynn of Suitland, Maryland. They all loved him and will truly miss him. They will always have a part of Jamal with them in their children. Jamal made sure that they too were connected to his family.

His sisters, Arlene Francis of Charlotte, North Carolina, Charlene Francis-Mickens of Hackensack, New Jersey; and his brothers, Tommy Francis of Palmyra, Pennsylvania, Ernest Francis of Middletown, New York, J. Courtney Elder and Nicholas Elder, both of Atlanta, Georgia, will have many memories to share about their brother.

Jamal loved laughing and having a good time and he was comical so we will be laughing for years to come in our memories. Jamal's cousins who had a really close bond with him, who stayed on him; hung out with him; mentored him, Courtney Harris, Tony Harris, Rashaan Hicks, Jamil Truesdale, Jason Lindsey and Val Boston. They have memories that only members of the Cousins Club can share. "What's shared in the club, stays in the club". He is also survived by his aunties, Judith Loretta Wood, Evelyn Harris, Constance Harris and Mary Harris and preceded in death by his uncles, George F. Harris, Thomas J. Harris and Lewis A. Wood.

Jamal had many friends in New Jersey, D.C., and Maryland, who will miss his friendship. He enjoyed watching basketball and football. Jamal loved driving tow trucks and going to auto shows. His dad, Tee Francis took him to his first show in Hackensack, New Jersey, when he was 13 years old. He really took an interest in the 2-seater Thunderbirds '55, '56 & '57. The first 2-seaters that Thunderbird made. Jamal, we will really miss your handsome features, your beautiful smile and your loving heart for your children and the family. God bless you until we meet again.

Please join our family in Prayer and a Fast on Saturday, January 19, 2013, as we enjoy a meal from the Daniel Fast. Read Daniel chapter 10, verse 2 to learn about the types of foods to eat on the Fast (i.e. fruits, vegetables, beans and water). We are praying and believing that God will move mightily in our communities to stop senseless killings and violence in this country. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2013, at Piedmont Baptist Church in Yancey Mills. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the services.

J. F. Bell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements www.jfbellfuneralhome.com.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.