Peggy Martin

Peggy Willene Martin VIRGINIA BEACH - Peggy Willene Martin entered heaven Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, beginning yet another journey that has marked a life that was full of adventure and exploration. Born Peggy Willene Brown on July 7, 1925, she was the daughter of Willene Alexander of Charlotte, N.C., and Paul Edward Brown of York, S.C. She was predeceased by her husband of 25 years, Ralph Warren Martin of Edgemont, N.C. She was also predeceased by her son, Stephen Anthony Martin of Virginia Beach. Peggy retired from the Navy Commissary in Norfolk. In addition to traveling the world, Peggy was an avid walker and golfer. She was also a fabulous cook and baker, always pleasing her family and friends with delicious Southern cooking and desserts. She was the consummate hostess with all of the charm and grace befitting a Southern Belle. She was an active member of Bayside Baptist Church in Virginia Beach for many years where she could always be counted on in the kitchen for all of the congregation's needs. She enjoyed a life full of health and vigor until the last year or so. Never one to complain, she would always let her personal discomfort go unannounced. Peggy was a fiercely independent woman who lived her life on her terms, maintaining her freedom and dignity to the very end. She passed comfortably with loved ones by her side. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Michael Martin and Sandy Martin of Virginia Beach; a former daughter-in-law, Myra McCarthy of Beaverton, Ore.; five grandchildren, Faith Alperin and husband Jeff Alperin of Norfolk, Stephen Martin II and wife Casey Martin of Norfolk, and Stacey, Michael, and Ariel Martin of Virginia Beach; and five great-grandchildren, Meghan Martin, Thomas Baird, Tyler Baird, Aidan Martin, and Shannon Martin. Viewing will take place Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Bayside Chapel of Hollomon Brown at 1457 Independence Blvd. at 7 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at Bayside Baptist Church, 1920 Pleasure House Road, Virginia Beach, on Friday, Nov. 20, at 11 a.m. Committal will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens at 6309 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk. Donations in Peggy's memory may be made to the Young Class of Bayside Baptist Church. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.