J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Martin, Geraldine S.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Geraldine “Gerry” Sowder Martin, of Colonial Heights, formerly of Dinwiddie County, passed away Friday, March 26, 2010. Born in Sutherland, VA, on March 27, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Jesse Vernon and Ethel Stewart Sowder. She was a lifelong member of Ocran United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school for many years. In addition to her church, she was active in the community and enjoyed doing volunteer work. She was Past President of the Home Builder’s Association of Southside Virginia Ladies Auxiliary and a member of the Linden Twig at Southside Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Martin was preceded in death by her sister, Jessica Sowder Gipe. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Gilbert Creff Martin; her daughter, Pamela Martin Comstock; her son-in-law, John Morris Comstock; and her grandson, Andrew Martin Comstock. The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, March 28th at the Petersburg Chapel of J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service. A graveside funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday at Blandford Cemetery with The Rev. Larry House and The Rev. Darwood Rowan officiating. Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to Ocran United Methodist Church, 20807 Cox Road, Sutherland, VA 23885. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.

I am very sorry to learn of Gerry's death, but I celebrate my memories of her. She was always a kind and compassionate friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sincerely,
Joan Wood

Posted by: Joan Wood at April 2, 2010 09:46 PM

Saddened to hear of Gerry's passing and knowing your loss from so many miles away. Mother and I send our sympathy and recovery to you all. We regret her passing but rest assured of her lasting impact on all she touched in her life, a lasting remembrance for us to carry on.

Brad & Charlotte Hildreth

Posted by: COL Brad Hildreth at March 28, 2010 08:59 AM

I celebrate Gerry's life with all her many friends. I can never recall Gerry without a smile on her face and a kind word to say. She was a dear friend to my mother for so many years, as she was to me. I know her passing leaves a great void in the lives of all who knew and loved her. My deepest sympathies for your loss.
Dennis

Posted by: Dennis Owen at March 27, 2010 10:47 AM

Much love and many prayers are with you all in these most difficult days ahead. It is not easy letting go, there will always be that void in your heart, but knowing Jerry is in no more pain, no more suffering.. she is whole again safe in the loving arms of our Lord. Your family was always so special to our family I will never forget all of your kindess,most especially to my Mom and Dad. Remember all of the special good times with her and it will help to wipe away the tears and bring a smile to your faces.

Posted by: Arie Fenderson Blankenship at March 27, 2010 09:33 AM

Jimmy called us this morning and told us of Gerry's death. Daddy was so sad, as she has been his friend all of his life. They used to play tennis on the Martin's courts. Of course, Gerry was one of Mama's favorite friends. She lived with the Sowder's when she first came to Sutherland. Gerry was my favorite Sunday school teacher. We all loved her. We played "drop the handkerchief" at Bible school. It seems like yesterday. I am so glad we were able to see her that day in the doctor's office. She was a sight for sore eyes.

Please accept our sympathy at this sad time. Gerry was an original. She will be missed.

Love,
Doris and family

Posted by: Doris Leonard Pritchett at March 27, 2010 12:29 AM