Martin Carl Plummer Sr.

Martin Carl Plummer, Sr., born December 10, 1933, was the youngest son of Irma Jackson and Frank Plummer. He was a lifelong Chicagoan who graduated from Englewood High School and Wilson Junior College. As an adult, Martin accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior while attending South Shore Baptist Church; and, in 1984, he became a faithful member of Trinity United Church of Christ. Shortly before being honorably discharged from the United States Army, Martin wed Ursula Casimere in 1953. The couple became the proud parents of three children - Marla, Martin Jr., and Gina, who fondly remember childhood through his lens of adventure. Martin exposed them to the world, filling their lives with laughter, love, travel, arts, recreational activities, local and national attractions, and most memorably, playing bongos and cooking homemade pizzas, chili, and chop suey, from scratch. Martin will be most remembered for his loving devotion to his family. Spending quality time with his children and staying connected with his grandchildren remained his top priority. Being Jewell's Grandpa Honey (bunch) and Brandon, Janelle, and Lauren's Papa meant the world to him, and he beamed with great pride at their accomplishments in life. Employed at various companies throughout metropolitan Chicago, Martin spent most of his working years as a computer operator. As a young adult, he dabbled in photography, music and art, and later became very involved in Operation PUSH as a staunch advocate for civil rights and social justice. He felt deeply about these human issues and matters of race and ethnicity his entire life. Though typically serious, Martin, or Marty, as most called him, had a silly, humorous side and was also known to cut a "mean rug" in his younger days. He thoroughly enjoyed the printed word and scholarly pursuits. As an avid reader with an exceptional intellect, he loved the art of conversation and debate. He was a fan of old classical movies, and he absolutely loved old school jazz. His greatest passion, however, was his family, who meant everything to him. Martin's good humor served him well, particularly last year as his health rapidly declined. During times of hospitalization, his humor and bind spirit often gained him "favorite" patient status with those medically attending to him. Martin was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Irma; beloved grandmother, Jewell D. Hayes; and his brothers, Guy Plummer, Ronald Plummer, and David Donaldson. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted daughters, Marla Hillery and Gina (James) Middleton; son, Martin Plummer, Jr.; brothers, Bradfield (Pam) Donaldson and Keith (Barbara) Donaldson; grandchildren, Brandon (Uwimana) Middleton, Jewell Hillery, Janelle Middleton, and Lauren Middleton; special cousins, Jewell ("Connie") Shelton and Alfrena Espinosa, and a host of other relatives, friends, and admirers. Martin's spirit made the transition from his earthly vessel on December 26, 2010.