Dr. Martel Anse' Perry

The Celebration of Life Service for Dr. Perry will be live streamed on the Facebook Page of Fisher Memorial Funeral Parlor.

FACE MASKS ARE STRONGLY URGED!!!

In lieu of flowers, please share a donation with your favorite charity in honor of Rev. Dr. Martel Perry, such as:

Child Development Center, White Rock Baptist Church, Durham, NC

The Central Children's Home, Oxford, NC

American Cancer Society, 

or another group of your choice

Martel Ansé Perry

On February 3, 1950, Isaiah and Vera Perry welcomed their third child, Martel Ansé.  Martel typically means "hammer" or refers to a strong, courageous person. Ansé can mean "God's helmet" or "protected by God."  Indeed, many of us will remember Martel Perry as a strong man of faith and reason. A man deeply committed to helping and guiding others—both adults and children—clearly and respectfully.  To be sure, Martel shared his knowledge, gifts, and talents in Christian love with everyone who came into his sphere. ’

Martel cherished his family, sister Michelle and brother Rene, and valued most about his parents--their Christian beliefs, resourcefulness, and dedication to being the best they could be, and he valued their guidance.  Martel was an avid explorer, curious about everything, and eager to share his knowledge with those around him with the graciousness, kindness, and love with which God graced him. He had great love for the outdoors, boating, gardening, bird watching, and hosting cookouts for family and friends.

Early in his life, Martel’s father encouraged him to learn the poem “If” penned by Rudyard Kipling (a copy of which is included in this reflection).  Martel memorized the poem, along with Psalm 91, and other Scriptures, all of which influenced his daily life from the time he was a youngster until his death. He shared his understanding of these works with others so that they too might find strength and courage and understanding of life.  He loved to deliberate, to examine all sides of a matter, but was always willing to hear another point of view. In his young life he studied to be a lawyer, but was called years later to the ministry.  His ability to love and listen to others was a blessing to everyone who met him.

After one year of college at Hampton University, he eloped to Bloomington, Illinois with his childhood sweetheart.  Martrel and Tramel, siblings, were born to this union. There in Illinois Martel began an extensive career in computer technology and research. During the Vietnam era, he was drafted into the Air Force that spanned more than eleven years after which he moved back into civilian life and served as a civilian worker for the Navy and a Computer Systems Chief Engineer for the State of Virginia where he managed information resources that supported and distributed centralized computing throughout the state of Virginia.  In these positions, Martel provided executive management services to Department of Justice, National Institute for Standards and Technology, US Naval Supply Command, US Navy Systems Command, Department of Commerce, Saudi Arabia Minister of Defense, and Barclays Bank International. Martel went on to serve as Executive Director of Howard University’s School of Divinity’s International Faith Community, Information and Services Clearinghouse and Training Center.  He later served as Executive Vice President of Shaw University.

Reflections of His Life

It was at a government sponsored meeting that Irene and Martel met 36 years ago and began a life of happiness and God-given fulfillment.  Their lives were influenced by their spiritual beliefs. Martel grew up in First Baptist Church of Hampton, VA, and Irene, St. James AME Church, in St. Louis, MO, and their passion for Jesus Christ never waned.  Their first “date” included attendance at worship service at St. John Baptist Church in Columbia, MD. From there, the couple united with First Baptist Church of Hampton, Martel’s home church, where Irene was later ordained. In the last twenty years they have both continued their discipleship as members of White Rock Baptist Church.  Martel served at Mount Vernon Christian Church for a wonderful span of time. 

No matter where he was in the world, Martel maintained a deep and enduring devotion and commitment to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. that did not dimmish over time. His sense of belonging to the fraternity's community remained strong despite the passage of time or the occurrence of life changes. His bond with the Brothers was phenomenal. 

Most recently, Martel returned to his favorite activity of researching and documenting his family history that led him to create a family foundation that champions African and Native American cultures,  entitled: “Watts Family, Native American, and Tidewater, Virginia Historical, Research, Preservation, and Service Foundation, Inc.”  Through God’s grace, his work has brought many people together in a collaborative hub of family interaction and purpose. Collaborating with new found cousins, Jim Lassiter and Mike Watts, Martel learned too that his birthright is Nansemond Indian Nation. 

On July 9, 2025, the sun set on Martel’s life on earth.  But death is not the end, but a turn in the road of eternal life.  The sun shone on Martel’s face that morning, and he is now rejoicing singing God’s consoling words of Psalm 91, “For He shall give His angels charge over you/ To keep you in all His ways” (v 11). Martel is rejoicing  as he is reunited with his parents, sister, aunt, grandfather, and friends.

Martel will be remembered by his brother Rene Perry and his wife Edna of Upper Marlboro, MD, as well as by aunts, cousins, and friends.    Among those who will continue his legacy of love and kindness are his wife Irene Gilbert Perry;  Son, Martrel Perry and his wife Kim Perry of Bowie, MD; Daughters: Tramel Perry of Upper Marlboro, MD; Tracy Broadnax of Greensboro, NC; Grandchildren:  Nya, Jada, and Isaiah Perry; Marcus Patton and his wife Cherise Patton of San Bernadino, CA; Mychaela Perry of Santa Ana, CA; Dominique Broadnax and his wife Edith of Charlotte, NC; Great Grandchildren: Eli Patton, Micah Henderson, Kailani Henderson, and Aerith Broadnax; Nephew Raymond Perry and his wife Alyza Perry; of Tidewater, VA; Nephews: Josiah Perry, Malachi Perry, Caleb Perry, and Noah Perry.

In closing, Martel was frequently asked about his well-being, to which he consistently responded, "I’m doing great."  Indeed, God’s Word reminds each of us:    Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  

                     (1Thess 5:16-18)

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