Martez Miley Tribute

He was an old soul in a young body, and I learned a few things from him. I met Martez over a decade ago in his early twenties when he reached out to me to become his dentist. My first impression was that he was too young to be fully employed as both a police officer and a mortician in training. He showed me what drive looked like. As a small business owner, I felt very safe because he would always update me on events and often look out for me when I was at my office late at night. He always immediately responded and ensured I was cared for; he loved being a police officer because he loved taking care of and protecting people. He taught me dedication. I didn't know that while he was doing these strenuous jobs, he was also in school, furthering his education. He taught me goal setting and persistence. Then, when his job became too much because he had witnessed so much tragedy and injustice, he did two amazing things our community should learn to do. He sought mental health through good counseling, and he relocated to Shreveport and took on a new job as an elementary teacher. From this, he taught me to be prepared to change when necessary for your wellbeing and prepare so you are able to when the time comes. Even still he would still drive home for me to continue his dental work. From this, he taught me loyalty. And though he loved the young students he taught, he was drawn back to his first love...law enforcement and working with funeral homes. This is where he demonstrated passion and love for his job. What stands out most about Martez was his dedication to serving his community in the way His Creator made him to; he was service oriented and everything he touched showed that people were his motivation. His love for them pushed him to want to do more. It is unbelievable that he is no longer here with us and I will no longer hear him say, "Hey Doc". I am sad that he left no wife or child but I am overjoyed to know that he did leave a legacy of very good works. Hopefully, all of the good seeds he planted in our lives will motivate us to be more dedicated to do good deeds in our lifetime. For me, as I remember him, I will still be dedicated to serve. Rest in Heaven Martez.