Hilda Bonita Martin

Hilda’s Sunrise As the winter season began, so did the life and legacy of Hilda Bonita Martin. A joyous day it was on December 24, 1952, as Hilda Bonita Martin was born to the union of Sadie L. and James C. Martin. Hilda, affectionately known as “Nita,” was number 10 out of 11 children, 10 a number equivalent to the meaning of what she exemplified. 10 is defined as the perfect angel number because the combination of 1 and 0 mean perfect and powerful. 10 was her chosen number because it exuberates positive vibrations and flowing energy. Hilda was predestined to be our Big Ten. Hilda was preceded in death by her parents, Sadie L. and James C. Martin; brothers, Sterling Martin, James C. Martin, Jr., Charlie H. Martin, and Edgar Martin; and sisters, Yvonne Randolph, Eunice Lyles, Ruby Betts, and Evelyn Hawkins. The family migrated to Chicago, Illinois, in 1959 where Nita attended grammar school, upper grade, and Roosevelt High School. Nita took her brains, sweetness, charm, and inquisitive nature to Northern Illinois University. Nita was a manager at the well-known family business Pick-N-Pay, and she was a dedicated customer service representative at Comcast. Nita accepted Christ as her Lord and personal Savior at an early age. Nita’s Pride, Joy, and “Rock” To know Nita is to know the one thing that was her Pride, her Joy, her “ROCK.” Kelly “K-Rock” Martin was born on January 6, 1972, another winter season filled with warmth and joy for Nita. That twinkle, that sparkle, that gleam wasn’t the sun reflecting from her glasses. It was her “SonShine,” “MY BOY.” In her eyes, Kelly was Nita’s JEANNNYUS (insider) on and off paper, her prized possession, her world within this world. Nita and Kelly are the Diamond in the “Rock,” not the rough because when it came to Nita’s love for Kelly it lacked nothing, it did not need to be polished or refined. It was a precious, protected love and bond, which a mother has for her #1. Nita didn’t play about Kelly and Kelly honored his mother each and every day. She was his biggest fan, cheerleader, teacher, and coach on life’s court. He will unequivocally and forever be her Pride, her Joy, and her Rock. She will always be his diamond, rare, precious, beautiful, and shining bright. “Bo”Nita’s Love Bonita was her middle name but also the nickname of the man she loved and loved her for close to 40 years. Derrick “Bo” Hughes and Nita shared love, companionship and dedication to one another. Bonita was befitting for a true timeless beauty, vibrant skin, fiery red hair, outstanding unconditional love, a smile that captivated, all while making you move out your seat at the bid whist and spades table. Family was the driving force for Nita and her love was the flowing energy and positive vibration, whether it’s a game night, watching the game, or just a good ole Taco Tuesday. Sweet-spirited with a sweet tooth, cakes and cookies were her forte, and you received a small slice of Heaven if you indulged. A Beautiful Sunset and Legacy On July 19, 2022, the sun set on our timeless beauty Hilda Bonita Martin at West Suburban Hospital. Her legacy and cherished memories will reside with: life partner, Derrick “Bo” Hughes; son, Kelly (Marchanne) Martin; five grandchildren, Tikara, Anthony, Rhiana, Kelly Jr., and Makaiya; two great-grandchildren, Zoey and Ziah; sister, Claudia “Lo Lo” Johnson of Toledo, Ohio; brother, Edward (Regina) Martin of Bellwood, Illinois; brother-in-law, Willie Hawkins of Shreveport, Louisiana; sisterin-law, Celestine Corrigan-Martin of Champaign, Illinois; special nephews, Kama-U (Felicia) Johnson, Florentino Valencia, and Dwight (Rochelle) Phipps, Jr.; two aunts, Evelyn Taylor of Memphis, Tennessee, and Earsey Lollis of Fresno, California; honorary sister, Wrauslin (James) Lewis; best friend, Inez “Cookie” Washington; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, great-great-nieces and -nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

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