Martha McIntyre

In the early morning hours of Friday, December 12, 2025, God sent His Heavenly Angel to 3729 Longstreet Lane, where His beloved daughter lay resting peacefully. He whispered softly in her ear and said, “Martha, the Father is waiting for another precious angel.” As He looked upon His earthly garden and chose her, she smiled, nodded, took His hand, and peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord.

Martha was born on December 25, 1949, in Southampton County, Virginia. She was the cherished daughter of the late Susie B. Dawson and James Dawson. She was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Patty Dawson, and her brother, James Dawson Jr., both of Suffolk, Virginia.

Martha received her early education at Booker T. Washington High School and later furthered her studies in Administration at the Pruden Center. Upon completing her education, she began her professional career as a Ward Secretary at Sentara Obici Hospital. After retirement, her heart for service led her to continue helping others. She pursued additional training and became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Upon completion of her studies, she was employed with Home Instead and Nansemond Point Nursing Facility.

Martha was not only an exceptional secretary but also one of the most loving and devoted caregivers God could have ever created. Her passion for caring for those who could not care for themselves was unmatched. Her nursing skills were impeccable, and she received numerous certificates and honorable mentions throughout her career. Martha learned at an early age that helping others was a gift from God, and she lived by the principle of doing unto others with kindness, compassion, and respect.

She worked faithfully in the nursing field for many years, and even when her health began to decline, she remained a pillar of support and encouragement to those in need.

On August 19, 1996, Martha married the love of her life, Ronald C. McIntyre. They shared over 35 years of love and devotion until the Lord called him home in July 2020. Martha accepted Christ at an early age at Canaan Baptist Church and later united with her husband at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Suffolk, Virginia.

Her love for the Lord inspired her to serve faithfully in many ministries. She was an active member of the Deaconess Ministry, Pastor’s Aid Ministry, Nursing Ministry, Chapel Choir, Sunday School Friendship Bible Class, Kitchen Committee, and the Polly Armstrong Missionary Circle.

Although Martha did not have children of her own, the love she poured into her niece and the children and grandchildren she gained through marriage brought her great joy and fulfillment.

Martha leaves to cherish her loving memory her devoted niece, Danyille Dawson; her beloved brother, Pernell Dawson (Sheila), whom she loved and admired with her whole heart; her brother, Willis Dawson of Richmond, Virginia; her three loving sons, Rajuhn M. Jenkins (Stacy), Ramone A. McIntyre (Margie) of Portsmouth, Virginia, and Rahsheed A. McIntyre (Pam); her loving sister-in-love, Loretta McIntyre; niece, Tonya McIntyre; nephews, Torry McIntyre and Randy Scales (Keely); one uncle, William Jones Sr. of Franklin, Virginia; devoted cousins, Martha Hicks of Hampton, Virginia, and Mary Blow of Franklin, Virginia.

She also leaves cherished grandchildren: Iryhun Ricks, D’nayshai Jenkins, Rajuhn Jenkins Jr., Armoni McIntyre, De’Ashia Goodwyn, Rahsheed A. McIntyre Jr., and Zyria Goodwyn; great-grandchildren: Na’lani Ward, Ahmir Goodwyn, and Ayla Goodwyn.

Martha was surrounded by a wide circle of devoted friends who loved her for her kind and quiet spirit—always eager to stand by her side, lend a helping hand, or offer encouragement. Among them were Mrs. Alice Lundia, Diane Darden, Emily Crocker, Arvis Hall, Thomas Hall, Thurman Murphy, Linda Roberts, Patricia Weaver, Yvette Jones, Francine Joseph, Glenda Outlaw, Rev. Sheila Parker, Gladys Manley, Ruby Tucker, Brenda Scott, Sheranda Outlaw, Della Council, Tracy Wiggins, Megan Hunsinger, Rinni Dumire, Delores Johnson, Roy Johnson, Tyrone, Arthur, “Boogie” Williams, Denise Bynum, Deborah Sanford, Theresa Elder, Rev. Janice White, Brenda Yvonne, Marie Boykins, Gloria Briggs, Tawanne Eley, James Mitchell, and a host of loving cousins, friends, and relatives too numerous to name, yet dearly loved.

Martha’s pleasant smile and beautiful, quiet spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. You fought a long and faithful battle here on earth. You ran your race, and now it is time for your reward. Rest in the arms of Jesus, our sister—we will see you in the morning.