Queen Ester Martin, 68, of Rock Island, IL passed away Sunday evening, January 20, 2013 at Trinity Hospital, Rock Island.

She was born August 8, 1944 in Leland, MS the daughter of William Martin and Claire Bell Walls Martin.

In July of 1992 Queen became ill.  She was residing in the Perry Rose Nursing facilities before transferring back to the Rehabilitation Center in Rock Island prior to her death.  She previously lived in Gary, IN and Keokuk, IA before settling in the Quad City area with her children.  She enjoyed being around people, playing cards, horse racing and cooking.   Queen shared her talent for cooking with many and also at the Knotty Pine Restaurant in Keokuk, IA.

She is survived by seven daughters, Ronna Brown, Rock Island, Billie Jo Martin-Sanchez, Memphis, Beverlyn, Joyce, Shawana, Jennifer and Amanda Martin all of Minneapolis, MN.  Three sons, Leon Perry Martin, Greensville, MS, Roderick Martin, Seattle, WA and Patrick Martin, Des Moines.  One sister, Eunice Fergunson, Gary, IN and two brothers, Alfred, Greenville, MS and Cornell Martin of Leland, MS; 38 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Irene Martin and one brother, William Martin, Jr.

A celebration of life service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday at Orr’s Mortuary, 1326 4th Avenue, Rock Island, IL.  with Pastor Debra Letcher of New Bethel Church, Keokuk, IA officiating.   Visitation with the family will be from noon until service time at the Mortuary.  Burial will be at a later date in Leland, MS.  Memorials may be made to her children.