Shannon R. Martin
46, Foxworth
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, at Hathorn Funeral Home for Shannon Ronald Martin, 46, of Foxworth, who passed away on Saturday, Sept. 30, in Hattiesburg. Interment followed in Oak Grove Apostolic Church Cemetery. Bro. Terry Ballard, Bro. Jerron Carney, Bro. Felix Arnold and Bishop James Carney officiated at the services. Visitation was held from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 3, at Hathorn Funeral Home.
Shannon pastored Sweetwater Pentecostal Tabernacle in Ellisville, Pentecostal Lighthouse Church/Landmark United Pentecostal Church in Meadville and Pentecostals of Petal (now called Abundant Faith) in Petal. He served as sectional Missions Director, sectional Sunday School Director and as Assistant to the Superintendent of the Mississippi District of the United Pentecostal Church for many years. He also served in many capacities in the District including supervising at youth camps, hosting fundraising dinners, etc.
His preaching and his life had an impact on everyone he met. One of his most memorable messages, “Can You Sleep on a Stormy Night?” was about having made things right with God and preparing for the storms of life. Moreover, there were several mission trips Shannon preached, in South Korea, the Philippines and the Netherlands. He saw miracles including an elderly man receive his sight and many people baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost.
Many times during funeral messages, Shannon would remind family members of the story of Joseph. In Genesis 50:25 and Exodus 13:19, Joseph had requested his body be taken back home to Egypt for burial, and Shannon called the casket a Hope box. It was hope of something that is better to come.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Martha Jo Williams, and grandfather, Opal Cox.
Survivors include his daughter, Shannah Martin of Petal; son, Levi Martin of Petal; father, James Ronald Martin (Judy) of Lexington; stepfather, James "Bo" Williams of Foxworth; the mother of his children, Veronica Martin of Petal; two sisters, Brandi Gartman (Jason) and Snow Koepp, both of Foxworth; two brothers, T.W. Martin (Amy) and Tanner Williams of Foxworth and three grandparents, Edna Cox, James Martin and Bobbie Cisneros, all of Foxworth.
Pallbearers were Jason Gartman, Jared Gartman, Thomas Daniel Martin, Trent Purvis, Bob Martin and Pee Wee Cox. Honorary pallbearers were Shannon’s co-workers.
Family and friends may sign an online guest book at www.hathornfuneralhome.com.
Hathorn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
