Martha Jane went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on May 15, 2024 due to complications of myelofibrosis at the age of 84. Born in Rocky Mt. Va, on July 9, 1939, she was a daughter of the late B. Wilson and Eva H. Turner. She is survived by her children: Julie Warner and husband, Mike; Jeffrey Torian and wife, Mandy; and Jennifer Raugh and husband, Steve; her grandchildren: Kate Yates and husband Daniel; Brady and Rachel Torian; Emma Hancock and husband, Luke; and Matthew and Julia Raugh. She was also blessed to have two great-grandsons; Josiah and Micah Yates whom she loved dearly. She is survived by a loving sister, Peggy Parcell and was blessed to have many nieces and nephews that she loved as her own; Sue (Rich) Bindewald, Tony (Tonya) Parcell, Sarah (Robert) Farrell, Becky (Lee) Flora, Charley (Stacy) Parcell, Margo (John) Williams, Stacy (Bob) Goforth, and Judy (Ron) Homberg. Also left to cherish her memory are many cousins that she loved as siblings and great-nieces and nephews too numerous to list. Lastly, special acknowledgement is extended to Doreen Smith, neighbor and friend for over 60 years, whom mom loved dearly.
Mom was a graduate of Roanoke Memorial Hospital School of Professional Nursing, class of '60. She worked as a Registered Nurse for 43 years and retired from the Virginia Department of Health having served 30 years as a public health nurse at the Roanoke County/Salem Health Department. She loved her community and counted it a joy to work alongside the best public health professionals in the Commonwealth and was blessed to maintain lasting friendships with many of her co-workers through her elder years.
Mom loved the Lord and made a profession of faith early in life. Because of this, as believers we have the assurance we will be together again. She was baptized at Rocky Mt Baptist Church and was a member of Windsor Hills Baptist Church before becoming a member of First Baptist Church in 1992. She was fortunate to serve in various capacities including the missions' ministry and the music ministry. She counted it a joy to sing in the Celebration Choir at First Baptist and was a member of Heartsong for many years. She participated in various mission trips throughout the years as well. Mom was a giver, and she loved her family to her core. She was an excellent cook and was faithful to provide meals to those in need and host the most delicious meals for family get-togethers and special occasions. We will treasure those times and special memories for years to come.
Special thanks are extended to the staff and residents of Harmony Independent Living where mom resided. Additional thanks are offered to Good Samaritan Hospice and Caring Companions for the exceptional care provided to mom during recent months.
Until the day comes when we meet again, I will always thank my God for every remembrance of my mom.
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
Visitation will be Sunday, May 19, 2024 from 3 pm-5 pm at Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount. A memorial service will be held at FBC, Faith Chapel on Monday May 20, 2024 at 10:00 am followed by burial at Franklin Memorial Park. Consideration of memorials can be made to FBC, Music Ministry in lieu of flowers.