Canaria Maxine Martin (née Graham), 92, passed away on July 21, 2024, in Kansas City, MO. Born on December 8, 1931, in Kansas City, Missouri, Canaria dedicated her life to her family and her community.

She was the fifth of six siblings born to Irving Graham, Sr. and Canary Byrd Gordon Graham Atkinson (both deceased). She was preceded in death by her husband Ulysees Quentin Martin, a son, Kenneth Maurice Martin, and each of her six siblings, I.V. Jewellena Brock, Myra Jean Chapple, Essex Jerome Graham, Irving Larue Graham, and Oscar Vernon Graham.

Canaria is survived by six of her children, Curtis Jerome Alatorre-Martin (Carmen), James Ellis Martin (Edwina), Leonard Eugene Martin (Maxine White), Nathaniel Earl Martin (Gene Lewis) Barbara Martin-Stanley (Charles) and Eric Alan Martin along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and friends.

Canaria was cherished as a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, remembered for her warmth and generous spirit. She was always ready with a hug, a kiss and a pinch (but no gouging).

A proud graduate of Lincoln High School's class of 1948, Canaria embraced a diverse career path. She began as a homemaker, nurturing her family with love and dedication in addition to serving as PTA President. She later served as a pension specialist at United Missouri Bank and ventured into real estate sales. Canaria also found joy and fulfillment in her role as a wedding planner, helping couples celebrate their most special day.

Throughout her life, Canaria was a follower of Jesus Christ and devoted member of the Palestine Missionary Baptist Church of Jesus Christ.  She served on the Mother Board, in the Senior Choir, and was a member of the Naomi Circle of the WMU. She also served as a Sunday School Teacher in the Intermediate Department.

Mom wanted people to know and remember she was kind. Canaria had a special love for her Sunday School class, 10-year-old boys and girls. especially Jamila Marshall and James Watkins.

Who knows what Mother always told us to do?

As we reflect on her let us remember to give each other a hug, a kiss and a pinch… no gouging!

Services to honor Canaria's life will be held at Palestine Missionary Baptist Church of Jesus Christ on Tuesday, July 30,2024 at 10:00 am.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E.  S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.