"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted … Rejoice and be glad, because great is your

reward in heaven."

- Matthew 5:4 and 12
On November 4, 2023, Martha Mitchell Hemphill answered the Father's call to rest from her earthly
labor and live eternally with Him in heaven. She was born in Monticello, Florida on October 24, 1951 to
the late Clifford Mitchell, Jr. and Geneva Seabrooks Mitchell. Martha Jean was the oldest of three
children – Titus Mae and Elverso Jeanett. Her parents moved their growing family to Jacksonville when
she was a toddler.
Having attended the local public schools of Duval County, she was hand-selected to join 9 other black
students to attend, the then all-white, Ribault High School. "The Ribault Ten," as they were called,
became the first black students to attend the previously segregated high school in 1966. After
completing high school, she attended Tennessee State University (Nashville, TN). Martha was initiated
into the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Speech Pathology and
Audiology in 1973. It was at TSU that she caught the eye and love of her life, Walter Leon Hemphill.
After graduating, she followed her love to New Hampshire, who was stationed at Pease Air Force Base.
In 1974, she earned her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of
Massachusetts at Amherst. On August 24, 1974, the love birds married and later established a
permanent home in Jacksonville. Their union was blessed with two children, L'Oreal Marie and Walter
Leon – her life's greatest rewards.
Her recent retirement concluded a 47-year long history with the City of Jacksonville – having spent most
of her career as Director for the Jacksonville Children's Commission and Program Manager for the city's
Emergency Assistance Program/Social Services Division.
Martha believed in living as a servant of the Lord and was faithful and devoted to the mission and
ministry at St. Paul Lutheran Church. She was actively involved in various ministries over the years –
Board of Directors, Youth Director, Worship & Stewardship Ministry Director, Usher Board, Altar Guild,
Gospel/Mass/Praise Choirs, VBS Arts and Crafts Leader, Technology & Sound Ministry Team Leader, and
served as Church Secretary for over 30 years.
She enjoyed her family, church family, work family, travelling, and absorbing nature's wonders.
Martha leaves to cherish her life and legacy, husband of 49 years: Walter Hemphill, Sr.; children: L'Oreal
Hemphill and Walter Hemphill, II of Jacksonville; sisters: Titus Davis of Jacksonville and Elverso Powell
(Mark) of Fayetteville, NC; sisters-in-law: Betty King of Chattanooga, TN and Juanita Clark of
Chattanooga, TN; seven nieces and nephews: Renee Davis of Woodstock, GA, Dr. LeVonne Tillman
(Antonio) of Durham, NC, Markelle Powell-Outlaw (Michelle) of Durham, NC, Shantel Jones (Dorian) of
Jacksonville, Michelle Davis of Oakland, TN, David Powell (Sharlice) of Fayetteville, NC, and Marques

Powell of Sacramento, CA; aunts: Lorraine Vaught (Woodard) of Miami, FL and Jannie Mitchell of
Monticello, FL; and a host of relatives and friends.

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and
a time to die … a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance." – Ecclesiastes 3