Ms. Silvia (Martinez) McClain

Silvia ‘Big Ma’ Martinez McClain was born on April 8, 1960 in Saginaw, Michigan to Manuel and Antonia (Ramirez) Martinez. Silvia was the eighth child of ten siblings born to this union. She passed away on March 1, 2024 at the precious age of 63 years. Affectionately known to her siblings as "Bird" and “Mikey,” Silvia worked many years helping and caring for others as a home health aide. She cared very deeply for those she cared for. Silvia was very particular about the cleanliness of her home. She loved to cook Mexican and Soul food. Silvia loved to be surrounded by her family and friends, hosting events like Mexican Bingo Night. Silvia loved going shopping with her mother and her special sister, Connie. You would occasionally see her in the yard putting up her wind chimes and decorating for the holidays. Silvia was the mother of five children: Estrella "Tita" Carreras, Octavio "Tito" Carreras, Jr., Gary McClain II, Mack McClain, and April (Kenneth) Knapp; honorary sons, Corey Barkley and Dave Favorite; honorary daughter, Izasha Gardner. Silvia ‘Big Ma’ loved all nineteen of her grandchildren, Le'Ontae, LaVell "Lil One", Ke'Arie, A'Nya, Aneya, My'Shea, Bree'Lyn, Marley, Kori, Semaj, Gary III, JoHanas, Kylan, Mack II, Mason, Ma'Kyrah, Cataleya, Laila "CoCo" and Mariska. Big Ma loved her one and only great-grandchild, Naomi, whom she called "Chocolate Chip". Honorary grandchildren include, Lil Maris, Gabby, and Dee. Silvia is survived by her siblings, Leandro, Manuel, Mary, Jesse (Cindy), Fransico (Ruby), Connie, Julia (James), Lupe Martinez, Oscar (Teaera) Deparas, and sister-in-law, Linda Veasley. She had a special relationship with each of her nieces and nephews, too many to name. Silvia is also survived by the fathers of her children, Octavio "Tito" Carreras, Sr. and Gary (Elsa) McClain, as well as her special friend Jimmy Stewart. Special friends include Cathy Williams, FeFe (Darnell) Green, Mary Hunter, Mary Lou Rios, and godson, Juan Soto III. Silvia was preceded in death by her eldest son, Octavio Carreras, Jr.; father, Manuel Martinez; godmother, Fernanda "Red" Hernandez; sister, Carmen Martinez; nephew, Carmelo Jackson; niece, Jessie Martinez; sister-in-law, Claudette "Honey Bunny" (Cleophus) Bray and brother-in-law, Ronnie McClain. Silvia's children would like to thank everyone for helping and supporting us through this difficult time. Special thanks to Fancy, niece, Rachel Martinez, Stephen Hill, and Dr. Perry of McLaren Hospital, New Covenant Christian Center and Evans & Browne’s Funeral Home. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, March 15, 2024 at New Covenant Christian Center, 2395 S. Outer Dr., Saginaw, MI 48601. Apostle Ron Frierson will officiate. Interment will take place in Eastlawn Memorial Gardens, 7475 E. Holland Rd., Saginaw, MI 48601. Friends may call at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave., Saginaw, MI 48607 on Thursday, from 2:00-6:00 p.m. The family hour will take place from 5:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday.

Ms. Silvia (Martinez) McClain

April 8, 1960 - March 1, 2024