Mamie Martin

Mamie Love Martin, 93, of Danville, passed away November 20, 2018 at Riverside Health and Rehab Center after a brief illness.  She was born July 6, 1925 in Person County, NC to the late Joseph Hugh and Mary Owen Allen. Love was also predeceased by her husband John Green Martin, Jr., her daughter Peggy Love M. Farrar, her grandson Jonas Anthony Farrar, brothers Ernest H. and John H. Allen, and sisters Mary Lea Burton and E. Josephine Hassenpflug. Left to cherish her memory are daughters Carol M. Merchant (Kurt) of Martinsville, and Susan M. Dawson (Ricky) of Bassett, grandchildren John C. Merchant (Della), Daniel P. Merchant, Katelyn F. Rogers (Zachery), Benjamin E. Dawson and Sarah V. Dawson, and great grandchildren Maxine Merchant and Everly Rogers. Her brother Louis Stephen Allen (Joan) of South Boston, 15 treasured nieces and nephews, and many special friends will also remember her lovingly. After her graduation from Scottsburg High School in Halifax County, Love went to work managing Western Union offices across the state of Virginia.  These experiences, as well as her travels to Central America in the early 1950’s (accompanying her husband in his work for the Army Corp of Engineers), provided opportunities for the development of close life-long friendships, and a strength of character and independence which was always with her. Love was a long-time member of Moffett Memorial Baptist Church where she was active in several ministries including children’s programs, the after-school tutoring program, weekly community meals, the bereavement team, and service to homebound members. Love will be remembered by family and friends for her prolific card writing and encouraging notes. After her 1990 retirement from the City of Danville Department of Public Works Love continued to be active in her church, in community service, and in caring for her family.  As was her nature, during her illness, Love spoke of her desire to be remembered not for her own good deeds, but above all for her steadfast faith and love of God, her love of family, church and friends. The funeral service will be held Friday, November 23, 2018 at 11:00 am at Moffett Memorial Baptist Church with Rev. Jonathan Hilliard officiating.  Interment will follow at Highland Burial Park.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church and at other times at the residence. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Children’s Ministry at Moffett Memorial Baptist Church, 1026 N. Main Street Danville, VA 24540 or to Gideons International, PO Box 97251 Washington, DC 20090-7251.