Martha Hull Copenhaver, 93, of Williamsburg, Va., devoted mother, loyal friend, passionate nature lover, and lifelong advocate for education, died peacefully in her sleep at home on May 30th.
She was born in Marion, Va., to Wythe M. Hull, Jr. and Lucile S. Hull, and grew up alongside her sister, Ellen Hull Keever (1930-2012), whom she loved dearly. A true tomboy, Martha spent her childhood roaming the neighborhood with friends, many of whom remained close throughout her life. She graduated from Marion High School and earned a bachelor's degree from Hollins College (now Hollins University).
In 1956, she married Preston S. Copenhaver, Jr. (1933-1983) and settled in Marion, where they raised three sons. Martha was a spirited and adventurous mother, taking her children hiking, skiing, and traveling, sharing with them her deep love of the outdoors, a gift she inherited from her mother, whose poetry often celebrated the natural world. She was also an avid tennis player and instilled in her family a lifelong appreciation for sportsmanship and resilience.
Martha greatly admired her father, Wythe Hull, who founded the Marion Bottling Company in 1929 and was an early investor in the Tip Corporation, which developed the modern formula for Mountain Dew. In 1962, her husband joined the family business, and she often saw him as a reflection of her father's entrepreneurial spirit and integrity.
In the wake of losing her husband, mother, and father in quick succession, Martha remained a steady presence, resolute, composed, and committed to her family. She continued to embrace life fully, traveling widely across the country and abroad. She served on the advisory boards of Hollins College and Emory & Henry College, her father's alma mater, and gave generously to the arts, education, and numerous charitable causes, including the Boys Home of Virginia.
In 2016, Martha left her beloved hometown of Marion and relocated to Williamsburg, Va., to be closer to her sons during her later years.
She is survived by her three sons and their spouses, Preston and Sally Copenhaver of Orlando, Fla.; David and Trish Copenhaver of Arlington, Va.; and John Copenhaver and Jeffery Paul Herrity of Richmond, Va. She is also survived by her three grandsons, Preston Copenhaver IV of Seattle, Wash., Zach Copenhaver of Arlington, Va., and Dylan Copenhaver of Arlington, Va.
A celebration of life will be held at Hungry Mother State Park (Shelter 1) on Monday, August 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Following a brief service, lunch will be provided. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 409 W. Main St., Marion.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Boys Home of Virginia and Christ Episcopal Church, Marion, Va. This is a courtesy announcement by Bardley's Funeral Home.
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