Martha J. Best was born Martha Jones in a small community located in the heart of St. Augustine named Vermont Heights, Florida. She was the 5th child born to Sallie Riles and L. J. Jones on November 9, 1929. After relocating to Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 15, Martha found her calling as a caregiver too many. In 1975 she became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and remained faithful until death.


Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Sallie Riles and L. J. Jones; husband, Raymond A. Best; 5 brothers, Albert Jones, Algie Jones, Spencer Jones, Dink McBride and Milton McBride; 3 sisters, Bertha Dowling, Nettie Mae Hudson and Hope Herring; 3 grandchildren, Martha Ann Vereen, Charlene Platt and Charles Vereen Jr.

Martha is survived by one brother, Johnnie Lee McBride; 14 children, Charles Vereen Sr., Etrenda Davis, Thelma Randolph, Stanley Johnson, Garrison Vereen Sr. (Erma), Carolyn LittleJohn (Charles), Debra Harris, George Harris Sr. (Phyllis), Lisa Cooper, Annette Pitts, Theresa Pitts (Eric), Terry Pitts (Katie), Rachel Best and Claretha Best; 3 stepchildren, Raymond Best, Jr., Girardeau Best and Queenie Best-Johns; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and a loving and caring godson, James Manns.

Martha J Best passed away Tuesday, June 20th, 2017. Arrangements in Care of: Funerals by T.S. Warden, 904-765-1234