Keith James Martin

Keith James Martin, born on March 13, 1965, in the Bronx, NY was sent to his eternal home on Monday, November 17, 2025, in Fairfax, VA. He was preceded in death by his loving parents Jimmy Carter, Helen Martin and stepdad George Martin. Keith was also preceded by his siblings Anthony, Geraldine, Charnette, and Geroge Martin Jr. and many loving aunts and uncles. Keith was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by his love of life and all that encompassed him. Keith enjoyed being amidst family and friends, often quiet and watching yet sometimes singing and dancing- especially Stevie Wonder. He truly enjoyed just being and discovering what life had in store for him. But when he had something to say we all listened. As long as food was involved he was always happy. Keith had many talents and a fulfilled life. He was a HS graduate of the Harry S.Truman High School in the Bronx, NY. He attended AHRC employment training program after graduating HS, then transferred to MVLE training center in VA. Keith was a Special Olympic athlete, winning many medals and trophies in Basketball, Bowling and Track. He was invited and competed several times in State competitions-winning even more trophies although he was usually the oldest competing in his sport/team. Keith took competing very seriously with his goal of winning always front and center. Sometimes we had to say okay, you need to sit and relax. 􋆴􋆲􋆵􋆶􋆷􋆳. Through Special Olympics he was able to attend the Commandeers (former Redskins) training camps and events, he attended dances with his peers and was fond of trips we would take to different states, beaches, museums and attractions. It was a beautiful site to see him taking each moment in. As stated Keith didn’t say much until he said it. The family can remember seeing the Color Purple play, we sat in the 3rd row. When seeing Celie being hit Keith yelled “Oh No”. Fantasia turned, winked and said I’m okay. He was seriously upset and worried she wasn’t, always being a concerned heart. At Lion King play we sat in the 1st row and did not realize the animals would come down the aisles to enter the stage. As the elephant passed he yelled “So Beautiful” and the lioness kept smiling at him as she passed the stage. We were amazed. Seeing Wicked his 1st time bought “Oh Wow” as she Defied gravity. “Unlimited” became our pep theme until his end. We believed there was nothing we couldn’t do if we did it together. Keith was “knighted” as everyone’s date when our girl group would get together as he would be the only gentleman guiding us along. He loved Paint Nites, comedy shows, dinner/dance events, or even when we just gathered. He always chose to be the buffet monitor 􋆴􋆲􋆵􋆶􋆷􋆳. He also loved beaches, planes, collecting coins and most of all watching Sanford and Son over and over. He received a compilation set of DVDs as a gift from his niece and I don’t think Fred could have asked for a more faithful friend than him. With his passing, Keith has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. He is survived by his loving sister Patricia, his niece Kenya Martin and her sons James and Tayvon; niece Charniqua Carpentier; niece Christina Mattocks; and nephew Moshe Mattocks, his wife Gianna and their son Amiel. He will be dearly missed by Harrison Dreher who always treated Keith as a brother and helped care for him most of his life in VA. We added a new addition to our family during COVID-Puperoni, a golden beagle. He and Keith shared a room, lots of love and companionship. Pup is truly saddened by not seeing his “Uncle Keith”. He also leaves behind his caring aunt Gloria Washington; sister to his mother Helen and a host of many loving cousins who shared in his joyful spirit throughout his life. Others who Keith was blessed to have guiding him through phases of his life-William Mattocks Sr., Eric Shaw, Robert Kingwood Jr., Khai Thomas and his friends at MVLE. Marsha Senack, Tykesha Myrick, Dr. Beatrice Mc Keithen, Dr. Hortense Hinton, and Dr. Shelly Powers have been a loving support system helping me help him. Last but never the least, the wonderful Nicely family who welcomed and cared for Keith as one of their own and his “date circle” Robin Grant, Brenda Thompson, Jasmine Thomas, Maria Nieto-Shasavarian, Cristina Morales, Michelle Arvelo, Chandra Myers, Brianna Garber, Toni De Luz, Vicky Beamon, Carol Jones and Kathleen Odige. They have always been there, welcoming Keith in whatever we were doing, making sure he was taken care of and well loved. It truly takes a village, and our lives are better because of it. The Celebration of Life service to honor the life of Keith James Martin will be held November 22, 2025 at Pierce Funeral Home. 9320 West Street, Manassas, VA. The family will receive friends at 1:00pm with the service following at 2:00pm. Although Keith's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, may his memory be a continued blessing, and may his light forever shine brightly in our hearts. I will miss my heart of my heart, I have been so blessed to call him my big brother. I couldn’t and wouldn’t have changed a thing for he has always walked by my side no matter what and he has taught me love, empathy, and acceptance of the world. Rest in peace my love, you’ve done well. ~Pat In Appreciation

Keith James Martin

March 13, 1965 - November 17, 2025