George Edward Foreman is an American former professional boxer, entrepreneur, minister, and author. He had a successful boxing career from 1967 to 1997, during which he won the world heavyweight title twice and earned an Olympic gold medal. Beyond his accomplishments and fame, what do you know about his wife, Mary Joan Martelly?
Profile Summary
| Full name | Mary Joan Foreman (née Martelly) |
| Gender | Female |
| Born | 10 February |
| Place of birth | Mon Repos, St Lucia |
| Current residence | Houston, Texas, United States |
| Nationality | Saint Lucian-American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Height in feet | 5’6″ |
| Height in centimetres | 168 |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Dark brown |
| Siblings | Seven |
| Marital status | Married |
| Husband | George Foreman |
| Children | Five |
| Profession | Businesswoman, philanthropist |
| @Mary Foreman |
Mary Joan Martelly: A Life of Love and Support
Mary Joan Martelly has largely shunned the spotlight over the years, standing quietly but firmly behind her famous husband, George Foreman. Her life story is one of faith, love, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her family and community.
Mary Joan Martelly’s Biography
Mary Joan Martelly, born Mary Joan Foreman, hails from Mon Repos, a village on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia. She is the third of eight children in her family, which includes six girls and two boys. Her father passed away at the age of 44, leaving her family to navigate life together at a young age.
What is Mary Joan Martelly’s Nationality?
Mary Joan Martelly holds dual citizenship—Saint Lucian by birth and American through her marriage to George Foreman. She grew up in Saint Lucia, where she completed her education and excelled in sports.
In a 2014 interview with the University of Houston Law Center (UHLC), which honored her with an Arrival Award for outstanding immigrants, she shared:
“I loved sports in school. The school was fun as you grew up with the same children from kindergarten to high school. So everyone knew everyone.”
Early Career
After completing her studies, Mary Joan Martelly started working at a Chinese restaurant in Mon Repos. She later secured a job at a clothing factory, continuing to support herself and her family before her life took a dramatic turn.
Meeting George Foreman
Mary’s path crossed with George Foreman’s when she took a babysitting job in the United States. She was temporarily allowed to travel to the U.S. on a visa to testify in a custody dispute for George. During this time, the two grew close. In a candid interview, she recalled:
“By the time my six months came, he was in love. He was like, ‘You can’t go back.’ One day we were going to the movies, and he said, ‘I’ll be right back.’ He came back with a little ring, you could barely see the diamond, and asked, ‘Will you marry me?’”
Touched by his kindness and family-oriented nature, Mary said yes. She reflected on her decision:
“He was a nice guy. He reminded me of my dad, really kind—a family person. He loves his mom, and I thought, ‘You can’t do better than that.’”
The couple tied the knot in 1985 and have been together ever since.
Mary Joan Martelly’s Children
Mary Joan and George Foreman have five children together: Leola, Natalie, George IV, George V, and George VI. Additionally, Mary is stepmother to three daughters from George’s previous marriages: Michi, Freeda, and Georgetta. She also has two stepsons, George Jr. and George III.
The couple adopted two children: Isabella Brandie Lilja Foreman in 2009 and Courtney Isaac Foreman in 2012, further expanding their loving family.
Is Mary Joan Martelly George Foreman’s First Wife?
No, Mary Joan Martelly is George Foreman’s fifth wife. His previous marriages were to Adrienne Calhoun (1971–1974), Cynthia Lewis (1977–1979), Sharon Goodson (1981–1982), and Andrea Skeete (1982–1985). Despite George’s earlier relationships, his marriage to Mary Joan has endured for nearly four decades.
Mary Joan Martelly’s life is an inspiring journey of love, dedication, and quiet strength, standing as a testament to her devotion to family and the values she holds dear.
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