Merdis (Brice) Martin transitioned to be with her Lord and Savior on September 17, 2024. Born in 1935 in Athens, Louisiana, to R.L. and Mozell Brice, Merdis was the second of six children. She was blessed with siblings Marlene Brice, Ray Brice, Marie (Brice) Greenwood, Billy Brice, and the late Ronald Brice.

In 1939, the Brice family moved to Haynesville, Louisiana, where Merdis began her education at Ward Chapel Elementary School at the age of six.

The family relocated to Merced, California, in 1945 when Merdis was 10 years old. She attended Galen Clark Elementary School, where her passion for the musical arts flourished. An active participant in the Glee Club and the Drum & Bugle Corps, she made history by becoming the first Black female Drum Major at the school. At the age of 11, she accepted Christ and was baptized at Saint Matthew Baptist Church, a commitment that would guide her throughout her life.

Merdis continued to pursue her love for music during her junior high and high school years, joining the school chorus and later the choir. Her exceptional talent earned her a place in the traveling chorus. Alongside her musical endeavors, she showcased her athleticism by playing softball for The Sweet Hearts from 1948 to 1962.

In 1953, while working as a service station attendant for Leonard Tank Lines, Merdis met Staff Sergeant Joe Martin. The two fell in love and were married on July 21, 1956. Their union led them on international adventures, living in Marrakesh, Morocco; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Madrid, Spain; and eventually settling in Lompoc, California where Joe retired from the military in 1978.

In Lompoc, Merdis became a devoted member of True Vine Bible Fellowship in 1973. She served her church diligently as a Sunday school teacher, announcing clerk, historian of the women's ministries, and choir member. Her dedication to community service extended to the local Lioness Club, where she was elected President in 1989 and later served as District Chaplain. Her exemplary leadership earned her the 100% President Award for her unwavering commitment to attending all meetings across her 12-club district.

Merdis was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband Joe Martin; parents, R.L. and Mozell Brice, and brother Ronald Brice. She is survived by her son, John Fernandez Martin and his wife Gayle; her daughter, Casaundra (Martin) Shuaib and her husband Nasser; her siblings, Marlene Brice, Ray Brice, Marie (Brice) Greenwood and her husband Lee, and Billy Brice. Grandchildren: Curtis Martin Fernandez, Nicole Fernandez, and Farrah (Shuaib) Medrano and her husband Fernando. Great-grandchildren: Kaija Fernandez, Isaiah Martin Fernandez and his wife Edith, Nicholas Stanley, Elijah Fernandez, Kimoni Stanley, Keira Stanley, Ferran Medrano, and Faith Medrano. Great-great-grandchild: Santiago Martin Fernandez.

Merdis "Queen" Martin will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her passion for music, her athletic spirit, and her tireless service to her church and community. Her legacy of love, dedication, and excellence leaves an unforgettable mark on all who were fortunate to know her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 12:00 PM, with a viewing beginning at 11:00 AM, at True Vine Bible Fellowship. The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Valley Haven (EIN: 77-0257405) for the care they provide to Lompoc's seniors, honoring Merdis's lifelong commitment to service.

Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we find comfort in knowing that our beloved Queen has gone home to be with the Lord. Her spirit lives on in the hearts of all she touched, and we rejoice in the promise of eternal life.