Leona W. Martin passed away peacefully October 18, 2026, on Martha’s Vineyard at 90 years of age.
Mrs. Martin was a woman of strength, independence, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. A loving mother, gifted cook, and natural leader, she valued education, integrity, and standing up for what was right. Her determination and strong sense of purpose were reflected in all she did.
A longtime resident of Lexington, Mrs. Martin dedicated decades of her life to advancing civil rights, fair housing, diversity, and inclusion. In the 1960s, she served as the Publicity Chairman for the Lexington Civil Rights Committee. As a member of the No Place for Hate Steering Committee, Mrs. Martin helped Lexington get certified as a No Place for Hate community. She also served the community as a founding member of the Lexington Human Rights Committee.
Mrs. Martin was a political trailblazer. In 1987, she was elected a Town Meeting member, becoming the first Black woman and second Black person to serve as a Town Meeting member. She served 12 years on Town Meeting.
Four years later, in 1991, Mrs. Martin became the first, and so far only, Black member elected as Commissioner of the Lexington Housing Authority (LHA), where she served for 25 years. She was the first Black resident elected to a townwide position.
In 1995, she created the multicultural celebration LexFest. For 10 years she served as the LexFest coordinator, engaging every race and culture residing in Lexington.
In February 2019, Mrs. Martin was honored by the West Medford Elders Project, an initiative of the West Medford Community Center, Inc. She was a past president of the West Medford Community Center Senior Club.
Mrs. Martin was a founding board member of the Association of Black Citizens of Lexington (ABCL). She mentored candidates for elected office, planned ABCL’s Veterans Day programs and helped to organize ABCL’s African Diaspora celebrations.
In January 2021, the Association of Black Citizens of Lexington recognized Leona Martin as a Black History Project of Lexington portrait banner honoree. The portrait banners honor prominent Black citizens who have shaped the history and culture of Lexington and the United States.
In 2021, she was also recognized as a LexSeeHer Women’s Visibility Banners honoree for her outstanding work in local government.
In 2022, she received the prestigious Minuteman Cane Award in recognition of her extraordinary service to the community. During her acceptance speech, Mrs. Martin dedicated the Minuteman Cane Award to her African ancestors and noted that she was a descendant of Black Loyalists on both sides of her family.
Her legacy of courage, compassion, and service will live on through her family and the many lives she touched.
Beloved wife of the late Charles T. Martin Jr. Loving mother of Russell C. Martin and his partner Karla DiNardo of Gardner, MA, and Ronald D. Martin of Buffalo Grove, IL. Devoted sister of Mary “Betsy” Taylor of Salt Lake City, UT. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Spring, Summer, and Autumn Martin, and by many nieces and nephews.