Jane Langhorne Martin

MARTIN, Jane Langhorne, of Richmond, died peacefully on Thursday, January 14, 2010 with her family at her side. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Berkeley Hancock Martin Jr.; and her son, Berkeley Hancock Martin III. She is survived by her three children and their families, daughter, Barbara Langhorne Martin; son, John Watkins Martin and wife, Sara; and daughter, Linda Martin Geho and husband, Moncure. In addition, she is survived by her eight grandchildren, Claire Neaves George and her husband, Charles, Allison Neaves, Coldon Martin, Derek Martin, Rebecca Martin, Harrison Geho, Berkeley Geho, and Charles Geho. She is also survived by her devoted brother, Norvell M. Langhorne Jr. and his wife, Alice, and their three children, Carolyn, Bruce, Janet and their families. Jane was the daughter of Gwendolyn H. Langhorne and Norvell M. Langhorne Sr. of Richmond. She grew up in Richmond as an active member of Tabernacle Baptist Church. After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School, Jane began her career as the secretary to Dean William T. Muse of the T.C. Williams School of Law. She also modeled for Miller & Rhoads in their Tea Room. Upon marrying Dr. Martin, Jane became a faithful and tireless member of Westhampton Baptist Church. A true and loving Christian, Jane was an inspiration to many, both young and old. As a church leader, Jane dedicated her time to Girls in Action, Acteens, the Good Shepherd Class, Women's Missionary Union (WMU), and many other church initiatives. As a dutiful wife, mother and friend, Jane spent countless hours volunteering for the Richmond Medical Auxiliary, Richmond Eye & Ear Hospital, and her children's schools. She enjoyed lighthearted outings with her many friends and took great delight in chasing solar eclipses around the world with her husband, Berk. Jane was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Commonwealth Chapter, and The Tuckahoe Woman's Club. The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 17, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Central Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 3215 Cutshaw Avenue. A celebration of Jane's life will be held at Second Baptist Church, at the corner of River Road and Gaskins, on Monday, January 18 at 12:30 p.m. (This is a change.) A private burial will be held at the family cemetery at Bethel Baptist Church, Midlothian, Va. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westhampton Baptist Church Endowment Fund, 6112 Three Chopt Road, Richmond, Va. 23226.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.