It was a blessed day when God choose to send the gift of Martez Tyre Shumate, on the 13th Day of July, 1987 to Eunice Marie Byington and Donald Ray Shumate Jr.

Growing up, Martez was a very happy and outspoken young man. He loved his family and this was evident by the special relationship he shared with his little sister, Dominique. He brought joy into the lives of all he met, with his loving smile and kind spirit.

Martez was an excellent student an excelled in all that he put his mind too. He had a special passion for music and participated in the school band for many years.

Upon graduating from Muskogee High School in 2005, Martez went to University of Central Oklahoma where he studied Fashion and Photography. Martez had a keen eye for fashion, which was evident by the GQ swag he had every time you saw him.

At a very young age, he professed a love for Christ. He loved singing in the choir, the praise team, and dancing with Secret Weapon. During his teenage years was very active in the youth ministry and choir. He sang with 1GOP, UCO Ebony Gospel Choir, and Unity of Praise.

On February 15, 2010, Martez saw God's Glory, He choose to do more than just seek God's face, he chose to take His hand and make his Grand Entrance.

Waiting to embrace him at Heaven's gate was his grandmother Rose Logan and Nana Gloria Dinwiddie.

Still standing to carry on his memory; his Mother Eunice and Stepfather Mr. Vernon E. Curl, Taft, OK, his Father, Donald Shumate Jr., his sister, Dominique, his brother, Brent, his sisters, Moniecia, and Jasmine: Also still standing, his grandparents of the home, Danny Joe and Evelyn Byington, Taft, OK, Special Aunt, Isabella Yanchik (Joshua), Taft, OK, and Special Uncle Danny Joe Byington Jr. (Candace), Tulsa, OK; two God Son's Jordyn and Zion; a God Daughter, Priscilla; two very special cousins Dnajia Byington and Kermit Thomas IV, a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

The Celebratory Service, commemorating the life of Martez T. Shumate, will commence on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 2:30 PM in the most Sacred sanctuary of the New Life Ministries of Taft. Pastor Michael Gaulden, Sr., Eulogist and Minister Nicholas Gaulden, Officiant. The Christian Committal will follow in Doyle Cemetery, west of Taft, at Yahola, Oklahoma.

You may visit Martez, as he slumbers in peaceful repose on Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM and on Saturday morning, from 10 AM to 12 Noon at the funeral home.

Casket Bearers will be Javon Craig, Benjamin Sourie, Ashton Wooden, Monte Freeman, Braylon Dedmon, and Oren Faulk.