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Family, friends honor slain real-estate agent, await justice
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Elder Rose Carter, center, leads family and friends of Vivian Martin in prayer at the Nelson Avenue house where Martin was murdered.
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Donna James, the oldest daughter of slain real-estate agent Vivian Martin, and Donna’s grandson, Tristan James, release balloons in honor of her late mother. Family and friends gathered Thursday evening to celebrate what would have been Martin’s 68th birthday.
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Davida Brown of Youngstown, a daughter of slain real estate broker Vivian Martin, wants the suspects charged in her mother’s death tried here. She is shown with a photo of her mother and a graduation photo of her mother and her sister, Donna James. In 2005, Martin received her master’s degree in organizational leadership from Geneva College, Geneva, Pa., and James received her master’s degree in business administration from Youngstown State University, where she is a payroll specialist.
By Ashley Luthern
aluthern@vindy.com
YOUNGSTOWN
Thursday was the first time in more than 40 years that Rose Carter didn’t send Vivian Martin a birthday card.
Instead, Carter held hands with about 20 family and friends of Martin’s to pray and honor what would have been her 68th birthday.
The tight circle met in the driveway of 3660 Nelson Ave. The burn holes in the walls are covered with plywood, and a “No Trespassing” sign is posted to the door, but nothing will make those who gathered Thursday evening forget what occurred there Sept. 20, 2010.
It was at that house, police say, that Martin, 67, a city resident and real-estate agent, was strangled by two men whose motive was robbery and who tried to cover the crime with fire.
“We had Vivian for 67 years. We had her wisdom, her laughter, her chastising, her prayers. ... We just say thank you,” said Carter, who is a local minister and led the prayer.
Martin’s daughters, Davida Brown of Youngstown and Donna James of Campbell, her grandchildren, relatives and friends brought balloons, flowers and a purple stuffed animal bunny to decorate for Martin’s birthday.
“We want to celebrate her life. And this is the last vigil we’ll have up here,” Brown said, referring to the scene of her mother’s murder.
Brown said she thought it was appropriate to celebrate Martin’s birthday at the house because it was the last place she was alive.
Even though it was a celebration, those present acknowledged a long road ahead as they await the trial of Robert S. Brooks, 26, of Youngstown, and Grant P. Cooper, 22, of Brookfield, who are accused of killing Martin.
“They took a very important person,” said Martin’s granddaughter, Kysha Martin of Youngstown.
Those who gathered Thursday donned shirts with Martin’s portrait on the front and “We won’t rest until we receive justice!” printed on the back.
“It’s important that the community doesn’t forget about her. This trial will come to fruition,” James said.
Brown added, “We want the court system to hurry up so we can get closure.”
Brown asked those who want to give to donate to the Vivian D. Martin Realtist Memorial Scholarship Foundation, created through the Youngstown-Warren Realtist Association. Donations to the scholarship fund can be made at area Huntington Bank locations.
The shirts also are available for sale to keep Martin’s “name alive, and proceeds go toward the scholarship fund,” Brown said. Those interested can contact the family.
After Carter finished the prayer, the small crowd released balloons, white and purple — Martin’s favorite color. Strong winds swept them out of sight, and silence fell while those present blinked back tears.
Seconds later, a loud popping sound broke the quiet as decorative balloons tied to the house burst, causing smiles and laughter — a celebration and final salute to Martin.