Martha Brown DeBord

Martha Brown DeBord, a well-known educator, entrepreneur, and farmer, died Tuesday, April 27, 2004, at her home in Rural Retreat, Va. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, May 1, at 3 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church with Pastor Joe Shumate officiating. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe B. DeBord Sr.; her parents, Charles Cassell Brown and Mary Virginia Lambert Brown; and a sister, Emily Repass Brown. Survivors include two sons, Joe B. DeBord Jr. of Crockett, Va., Charles B. DeBord of Lexington, Va.; a daughter, Ellen B. DeBord of Darlington, S.C.; four grandchildren, Joe B. DeBord III, Elizabeth B. DeBord, Charles B. DeBord Jr. and Michael G. DeBord; one great-grandson, Aidan Taylor; and her loving extended family, Carolyn M. Linkous, Dianna L. DeBord and Michelle G. DeBord. She received her education from the Rural Retreat public schools, Marion College and Roanoke College. Her father died while she was in college, and she returned to successfully manage the family farms. When her husband Joe died as a result of a tragic farm accident in 1964, her role increased as provider for their three children and manager of the DeBord Mill which was later sold. Her support of public education is legendary. She was the first woman appointed to the Wythe County School Board. She served from 1964-1997, serving as chairman from 1977-1984. She provided remarkable leadership at both the local and state offices, including president of the Virginia School Board's Association and chairman of the State Vocational Education Advisory Board. She was a pioneer in the promotion of educational TV in public schools. She was the last of the Brown family to serve on the Marion College Board of Trustees. She remained active in the Alumni Associations. Her support of sports, especially at Rural Retreat High School, is well remembered. After college, she volunteered to coach a girls' basketball team which used a dirt court. At St. Paul Lutheran Church, she served many times on the church council and as congregational pianist and organist for more than 20 years. She was co-editor of "St. Paul Lutheran Church - 1776-1976," a history of the church. She served on the Executive Board of the VA Synod and during its formative years on the Board of the VA Synod Lutheran Homes. Over the years, she opened her home to several young people, including a Vietnamese refugee, while they attended school. She was a 50-year member of The Literary Club, The Wilderness Road DAR and served as vice-chairman and chairman of the Wythe-Grayson Regional Library Board of Trustees. The Wytheville-Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce honored her in 2001 with its "Outstanding Citizenship Award" and her name was placed on the Wythe County Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. On July 24, 2001, the Wythe County Board of Supervisors named the entrance to the new Rural Retreat Elementary School the "Martha B. DeBord Way." The family wishes to express appreciation to Virginia's Home Health and Hospice, Dr. Holly Smith and staff in Rural Retreat, Va. The family will receive friends Saturday, May 1, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. (service time) at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Memorial gifts may be given to the Martha B. DeBord Memorial Fund, which will be shared by the St. Paul Lutheran Church and the Wythe County Public Schools Library Fund. Contributions may be mailed to the St. Paul Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 478, Rural Retreat, VA 24368. Lindsey Funeral Home in Rural Retreat, Va., is in charge of the arrangements.