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Mercer Martin Obituary

Mercer Doleman Martin PORTSMOUTH - Mercer Doleman Martin, 80, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2009. She was the widow of William Albert Martin. Born Feb. 19, 1929, in Portsmouth, she was the daughter of the late George F. and Gladys Buchanan Doleman of Portsmouth and spent most of her life here. She was also a lifelong member of Trinity Episcopal Church. Mercer is survived by daughters, Lynn M. Blevins and husband Gary L. Blevins of Chesapeake and Gayle L. Martin of Capron; sister, Patricia Hardesty of Valparaiso, Ind.; grandchildren, Raymond Pettway of Richmond, Martin Pettway of Louisa, Timothy Dwyer of North Carolina, and Colleen and Ian Dwyer of Portsmouth; and great-grandson, Tristin Cowfer of Portsmouth; and nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends. Mercer retired from the radiology department at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. She also worked many years as parish secretary at St. Christopher's Church in Portsmouth. She was last employed at Virginia Gateway Center of the Arts as an administrative assistant. She also volunteered for the Friends of Portsmouth Library and Portsmouth Museums. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, at Trinity Episcopal Church by the Rev. Sue Crommelin, assisted by the Rev. James Browder. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions may be made to the Book of Remembrance, Trinity Episcopal Church or to the Friends of the Portsmouth Library.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Jul. 14, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
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Jennifer Martin-Hill

July 18, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss.My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May God give you the strength to get through this difficult time.

Colleen Martin-Keith

July 16, 2009

So sorry to hear about Aunt Mercer, my thoughts are with all of you. I will always remember the letters and photos she would send my mom and how I always got to see the photos and sometimes even read some of the letters. Or when I sent her my sons picture in his Cubs outfit and she said she put him on her fridge next to the "traitor" Mark Grace. She was a wonderful person with whom I wish I had the chance to know better. My heart truly goes out to all of you in this time of grief, may your memories of her help you through this tough time.

Ray Pettway

July 15, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

July 15, 2009

O Lord support us all the day long until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes and the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over and our work is done. Then in thy mercy grant us a safe lodging and a holy rest and peace at the last through Jesus Christ Amen

Aimee Hedgepeth Donley

July 14, 2009

Aunt Snooks, I love you I admire you and I will miss you till the day we meet again! Lynn, Gayle, Mom, Raymond, Martin, Tim, Colleen, Ian and Tristan, nieces & nephews and the many cousins & friends. Let God carry you as you grieve your our loss. The day will come that the memories of her will lift you up. Today, I smile and find comfort for the remarkable woman she was, the life she lived and am proud to have her as my Aunt! Rest In Peace Aunt Snooks!

Beth Cooper

July 14, 2009

Just wanted to express my deepest sympathies to the family. Mercer was an amazing woman who will be truely missed. Please dont hesitate to ask if any of you need anything.
Miss you and love you Mercer!

Tommie Miller

July 14, 2009

I love you Gayle and feel your loss.

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