Pernell Romero Martinez

Pernell Romero Martinez was born on September 21, 1964, to Alphonso Hailey and Betty J. Miller.  On August 19, 2021, he went home to be with the Lord.

Pernell was the oldest brother of seven children.  He was raised in Trenton, New Jersey, where he attended Trenton Public Schools and attended Hunter College in New York. He was known for his great personality, sense of humor, and love of sports.

With an adventurous spirit, Pernell lived a full life pursuing his dreams and passions. In his early years, he was an avid boxing fan, and pursued it as a career. He boxed at Pals Gym in Trenton, held several championships titles, and attended many fights – traveling as far as Las Vegas to follow the sport. He was truly a sports enthusiast who passionately cheered on his favorite teams - which were the Knicks and the Ravens.

Pernell also enjoyed traveling and was particularly drawn to the east coast.  After living in NY for a couple of years, he relocated to Nags Head, NC, where he loved living near the beach. In the late nineties, he moved to Newport News, VA. Eventually, he moved to Savannah, GA, where he settled, reunited with family members in the South, and enjoyed his proximity to shopping and dining.

Despite health challenges, Pernell was a hard worker.  He consistently worked with several companies in the Savannah area. He loved cooking, especially for his family, and was last employed part-time by Olive Garden Restaurant. While working at the restaurant, he also worked at a construction company driving a cement truck.

Pernell was passionate, fearless, and truly a fighter who faced life’s challenges head-on.  He was a 20-year kidney transplant recipient from his beloved mother, Betty. He was meticulous about his health and doctors often praised him for having a donated kidney for much longer than the average patient. He was very personable and had a pleasant, funny, and infectious personality.  He connected with people, always made jokes or teased them about something. Everywhere he went and interacted with people, they grew to love him.

Family was very important and special to Pernell.  In particular, his children and grandchildren meant the world to him.  He spoke of them often with love, pride, and affection.  He often traveled to support his children/grandchildren and fought through challenges to be present for various milestone events.  He loved his family dearly.

Preceding Pernell in death was his beloved grandmother, Inez B. Scott and his son Alex R. Martinez.

We, who will cherish his life and forever remember him are three daughters Shakira T. Bryant of Trenton, NJ, Shante Melvin of Raleigh, NC, and Selena K. Navarro of Savannah, GA: and four sons, Jameel H Spruill of Trenton, NJ, Pernell R Bryant, Jr. of Atlanta, GA, Adonis Blake of Charleston, SC and Chad A. Longo of Monroe Township, NJ: His beloved mother, Betty Miller of Trenton, NJ; four sisters, Rosalind (Larry) Bethea of Charlotte, NC, Deborah Boyd-Watkins of Columbia, SC, Sherry Downey of Savannah, GA, Shawn Sapp and Ericka Bryant both of Trenton, NJ; one brother; Johnny Bryant of Bowie, MD; Ten grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other loving relatives and caring friends, all of whom will miss him dearly.

Service

Public Viewing 

Friday, August 27, 2021

11:00 AM - Noon

L.C. Chavous Conference Center 

5335 Ridgeway Street

Columbia, SC 29203

Celebration Of Life @ 12:00 Noon 

Pressley’s Funeral Home of West Columbia, SC is in charge of the Professional arrangements. 
 

Caring For You and Your Loved One!!!

If you would like to send flowers, please send to 

Pressley’s Funeral Home no later than 4:00 PM 

Thursday, August 26, 2021. 

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