Mr. Joel Joseph Martin

Mr. Joel Joseph Martin, known to family and friends as “JJ” and for those who did music with him he was known as “DNJAYY”, was born on March 18, 2006 in Columbia, South Carolina. He is the son of Cortney Morgan and Thomas Martin, IV. Joel departed his earthly life on Saturday, June 8, 2024. 

Joel was a proud Griffin and a recent graduate of the Fairfield Central High School Class of 2024. He enlisted into to the United States Navy and was looking forward to becoming a future sailor. Joel was a respectful, kind and gentle soul with positive energy and he was very optimistic. He will definitely be remembered by his big smile and bright personality. He had a heart of gold and he impacted so many lives. 

Joel confessed his love for Christ at an early age. He had a passion for music, cooking and barbering. He loved hanging out every weekend with his grandmother, Willie Mae and his brother, Elijah—when you saw one, you saw the other. He loved to serve his community; he just wanted to be helpful in any way he could. He was the kind of person that people gravitated towards regardless of age. He will truly be missed not only by his immediate family, but literally by everyone that knew him. 

Joel leaves to cherish his memory: his mother, Cortney Morgan and stepfather, Shaun Morgan; his father, Thomas Martin, IV; brothers: Terrance Harris, Khalil Harris, Malik Martin, Elijah Martin, Kristian Morgan; sisters: Elise Martin and Kaylee Morgan; grandparents: Willie Mae Smith, Frances Glover and Cleo Ingram; special uncles: Louis Harris, Danny Harris, Jr. and Sedrick Harris; special aunts: Fatima Haqq and Kashena Morgan; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Joel is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Thomas Joseph Martin, III and Dr. Danny Harris, Sr.

Funeral service and burial will be 12 noon Saturday June 22, 2024 @ Old Hope Station Church in Blair SC, 2955 Fort Wagner Rd. Blair SC 29015. Visitation will be Friday June 21, 2024 from 4 pm to 7 pm @ Russell-McCutchen Funeral Home, 324 S. Vanderhorst St. Winnsboro SC 29180. 

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