Samella Martin

Samella Cabil-Martin, was born to Promise and Pearlie Cabil on August 5, 1948. She was affectionally known as "Sam" and the youngest of ten children.

Samella graduated from Western High School (Jackson-Olin) in 1966, married and later birthed the love of her life, Dimple Jennell.

She went to Birmingham-Southern College earning a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. She completed her Master's, Administration, and Educational Specialist Degree(s) from the University of Alabama in Birmingham.

She was a well-respected educator in the Birmingham City School District where she was a third-grade teacher, reading teacher, new teacher coordinator, assistant principal, principal, and central office administrator. She took pride in molding and changing the lives of students, teachers and staff members. She was a dedicated BCS employee for 29 years before her retirement in August of 2000.

She especially adored her fur baby (Peter), working in her garden, talking politics, drinking her morning coffee and being unapologetically stern.

She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Birmingham, Alabama and she cherished her church family.

She was proceeded in death by her father and mother; brothers, Oberie Cabil, Booker T. Cabil, and Edward Cabil; and sisters, Marilyn Cabil, Sally Cabil, Odessa Voltz, and Willie Mae Roby.

Her memories will be cherished by her loving daughter, Dr. Dimple Jennell Martin; two sisters, Lillie Mae Atkins and Mary Cabil; a host of other relatives and friends; and a special childhood friend, Phyllis Feagan-Wyne.

"Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love." -Lamentations 3:32