Annie Jane’s Wish

Essie Dodd Martin (1935-) is the youngest of 13 children born to Annie Jane Ware Toliver. She is the only remaining living child of Annie Jane. She is the daughter of Jessie Walter. Essie was born and lived her early years in Crocket, Texas until her mother, Annie Jane, relocated to Dallas, Texas in 1946. Essie wasn’t afforded the opportunity to finish grade school and only completed the 4th grade. But Essie was an avid pupil and loved poetry and reading. Essie was always a strong willed and loving child. She was baptized at the young age of five. Essie has a deep love for God and the body of Christ. After overcoming every obstacle in her life, she is now the proud pastor of Israelite Church in Dallas, Texas. She is an amazing oratorical speaker. Essie has written numerous poems, sermons, and short stories. Essie loves to recall her rich family history to her family and church members. She believes in the oral transferal of stories and blessings. She enjoys tracing genealogy in the Bible, preaching and teaching, mentoring, and spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She is blessed to have generations to share her childhood memories and stories with each and every day.