Jerome Victor Martin of Canton, formerly of Alliance, Ohio, loved by a host of family and friends passed January 20, 2026.
Jerome Victor Martin, also known as Rome or Romey Rome, was born on December 11, 1953, to Joann Martin and William (Billy) Williams in Norton, Virginia. After his Mother Joann married Edward “Gates” Oden, the family moved to Alliance, Ohio, where his younger Brother Edward “Butch” Oden was later born.
Jerome was known for his infectious laughter. He showed curiosity from an early age quickly becoming a familiar face in the neighborhood, forging lifelong friendships. He attended Morgan Elementary School, State Street Middle School and Alliance High School, where his love for football began while playing with the Alliance Aviators. In 1971, Jerome and his Denise, welcomed their first son, Darone Cherry.
After Graduating from Alliance High School, Jerome moved to California, working for Pacific Bell as a cable splicer and part-time as a security officer in San Francisco. While living in California, he married Marshalle, and together they had their first son, Jerrell. After a few years, deciding that California’s fast pace wasn’t ideal for raising a child, Jerome moved his family to Alliance. There, they were blessed with their second son, Jerome Skye.
Jerome was dedicated to raising his sons, believing firmly in discipline while also instilling street smarts in them. In Alliance, he found employment with Whitacre and Greer (The Brickyard), the City of Alliance Parks Department. Jerome was a military Veteran serving in the U.S. Navy. Jerome embraced adventure but also cherished simple joys, especially going to Nascar races, cooking and dancing whenever there was music playing. You could always catch Jerome watching his favorite team, the L.A. Raiders play while enjoying a Pabst Blue Ribbon And talking spicy.
In recent years, after Jerome became ill and was hospitalized several times. He moved in with Jerrell, Zakiya, and their family in 2024 following his discharge. Though it was challenging, he managed it with discipline and quiet strength.
He will be remembered as someone who loved life, he showed up, paid attention and cared in quiet ways.
Jerome Victor Martin is survived by his three Sons: Darone Cherry, Jerrell Martin Sr. and Jerome Skye Martin, Grandchildren Jarvae, Destiny, Cryshawn, Dream, Storm, Knight, Jerrell Jr, Queshawn, Kierra, Kayla, Jaquai, Jereem, Makonnen, Solo and Kilo., Brothers, Edward Butch Oden, William (Champ) Williams, Tracy Williams-Jones, Michael Williams, Yolanda Willams, Vivian Murphy, Derrick Taylor, Cheryl Boatright, Aunt Mary Hatcher, numerous cousins, Mother of sons, Marshalle Augustus & Denise Martin, Special friends: Kevin Hawkins, Steven “Bitsy” Mason, Larann Smith, Geri “Granny Goodness” Mathis. He was preceded in death by his Parents Joann & Edward Oden, William Williams, Grandparents Margaret and William “Lil Daddy” Martin, Aunt Margaret Rose, Uncle William Martin Jr, Uncle Herman Martin, Grandchildren: Infant Grandson Sincere Lemaj Martin, and a host of Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and friends that will miss him dearly.
Many remember Jerome’s attempt to run for mayor of Alliance, which was unsuccessful, but unforgettable
Another fond memory is when he dressed up as Santa Claus, visiting friends’ homes across the city and taking photos with them—a testament to his spirited personality.
Funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at New Zion Baptist Church 1135 E. Jersey St. Alliance, Ohio 44601. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to service.
Service will Be live streamed at sommervillefuneralservice.com