Martha Tyus

Martha Tyus was born (along with her twin sister, the late Margaret G. Barton) on September 14, 1931 to the late Ulysses and Gussie Roberts in New Brunswick, NJ. The Lord called her home on Friday, August 25th 2023 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.

Martha attended Franklin Township Public Schools. She was employed by Do-Rite Cleaners as a Presser for many years before leaving to work for Johnson & Johnson until she retired. She was a lifelong member of Bethel Church of God In Christ in New Brunswick, NJ where she gave her life to Christ and was Baptized. There, she was in the Adult Choir and worked diligently in the kitchen serving at many events. In her latter years at Bethel Church, she became the Church Mother. She loved her church and you would always see her sitting in the front pews with her very stylish outfits and her fashion statement HATS!!! Also, one of her favorite things to do was to model at various fashion shows.

Martha was a member of the Jet Set of Somerset. A social club where they went on several trips (in and out of the country), had holiday parties and sold some “good ole tasty dinners”!!!

Martha was a kind, loving, fun and stylish woman who was loved by everyone she came in contact with. While living on Parkside Street she would be cooking dinner and you would smell her food down the street. Martha loved to cook for her family and anyone that came into her home. Sometimes, she would cook for others and take it to their homes. She was a great cook and use to “throw down”!!!

Martha was predeceased by her husband Robert Ralph and a son Robert Jr. aka “Snuke”, her parents Ulysses and Gussie Roberts, her three sisters Mary Haywood, Cora Coleman and Margaret Barton. Two brothers Ulysses and George. Also, predeceased by seven sister-in-laws and three brother-in-laws.

Martha leaves to cherish the loving memories to her four sons Richard “Donnie” Sr. (Theresa) of South Brunswick, Jerome “Roney” of Monroe, NC, Darryl of Somerset and Rodney “Craig” of New Brunswick. Two daughters Juanita “Arlene” Walker of New Brunswick and Lydia of North Brunswick. Eight grandchildren Donyale, Richard Jr, Lynzi, Stacy, Brenelle, Ebony, Craig and Tyler. Three great grand children Darrell, Aniyah and Leo. One great great grand child Jayla. Two sister-in-laws Mary Speights of California and Ella Washington of Somerset. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. And last but not least…her dog CoCo!