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Suzanne Cecile Martin
1952 - 2023
Suzanne Cecile Martin
1952 - 2023
Obituary
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Suzanne Martin Obituary
7/25/52 - 1/23/23
On Monday, January 23, 2023, Suzanne Martin - a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend- passed away at the age of 70.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Abner Gene Smith and Martha Gene (Adams) Smith, she is survived and cherished by her husband, Douglas Martin; brother Timothy Smith; son Alexander MacDuff; daughters Lydia Martin and Rose Martin; grandchildren Jamie and Daniel MacDuff, Liyah Martin; daughter-in-law Carrie (Kerstetter) MacDuff; son-in-law Yisaik Mulugeta and her two favorite little yorkies, Sammy and Bitsy.
Suzanne graduate from Woodson high school in Fairfax Virginia with honors in 1972. She later attended Virginia Commonwealth University earning a degree in speech and drama, and an endorsement in secondary education. Suzanne was proud of her work with the Richmond Theater Company and earned key roles in Little Mary Sunshine and Godspell.
After graduation from college in 1975, she joined Covenant Players, a traveling Christian drama ministry. During this time, she met her first husband Ronald MacDuff and they had one son, Alexander MacDuff. They toured for 10 years with the ministry.
After leaving Covenant Players Suzanne worked as an administrative assistant for Fairchild Industries and later due to a merger with SAIC.
One of Suzanne's greatest joys was singing for the Lord. In the late 80's her mom asked Suzanne to join her in forming the PRAISE singing ministry. Her son Alex would later join them as well. Additionally, she was on the worship team at the Leesburg Church of the Nazarene and was often asked to share her singing gift with other churches.
She married her second husband Douglas Martin in 1993 and in 2011 Lydia and Rose joined their family. God had blessed them with two amazing daughters from Ethiopia.
Suzanne made use of her education endorsement when a need arose for a kindergarten teacher at Way of faith Christian School. She also served in Loudoun County Public schools as a technology assistant.
In the early 90's Suzanne was invited to a Mary Kay Party. She fell in love with the product and the people she met. She joined the company and used Mary Kay to connect with other women. She treasured her many Mary Kay Sisters and customers in her 29 years with Mary Kay.
Suzanne loved being connected with the community. She was a proud member of the Gideon International Auxiliary and handed out many bibles in the community. She also was active in community groups including an adoption support group, Alzheimer's support group, Cornerstones women's bible study. She was an active member of the Leesburg Church of the Nazarene and attended Cornerstone Chapel Church in Leesburg.
Suzanne's faith in God and her Lord Jesus Christ was evident to all who knew her. She is missed deeply by her family and friends. A celebration of life service was held on February 4th at the Leesburg church of the Nazarene. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Suzanne's honor to the Samaritan's Purse or to the Gideons International Ministry.
Suzanne Cecile Martin
15 Entries
Joe Anderson
Yesterday
Man... just saw this news. Suzanne and Ron lived next door to me in College Park, Ga in the late 70's. I remember she was good friends with my mom and they stayed in touch for years once she moved. She sent me a wonderful letter when my mom passed and I hate hearing this news now. May she rest in peace.
Sheri Estevez
August 15, 2024
I traveled with Suzanne for one tour with Covenant Players. She was a wonderful mentor and friend. We only connected once in later years but I thought of her often.
Sheri Rowell Estevez
J. Mary Agnich
December 4, 2023
Ed Jahn and I were thinking of Suzanne today. Dearly missed.
Adele
February 13, 2023
One of those wonderful times we shared a meal at Nordstrom's.
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Adele
February 13, 2023
I met Suzanne shortly after her mother died. She and Alex were singing at Parkside C&MA Church in Manassas Park, Virginia. I'm not sure when our acquaintance became friendship, but that friendship quickly turned us into Christian sisters. We both loved the Lord. After she and Doug moved to Purcellville, we continued to meet twice a year at different restaurants. Jesus was always at the center of our talks, in our prayers for each other, and for our loved ones. Those times together always brought a sense of joy and encouragement to both of us. We hadn't gotten together since the COVID pandemic started, but kept in touch via text messages and small utiful gifts and cards. We didn't share a mother, but we did share the greatest Father there ever was, and to whom I am sure she is singing to with her glorious voice and precious countenance. May the Holy Spirit's presence bring peace and comfort to Doug, Alex, and the rest of the family at this time.
Your sister in Christ Jesus, Adele.
Linda Kelley
February 4, 2023
I loved her for many reasons but a very important one is how she loved my family. Just this past Christmas she sent care packages to 3 of my grandsons who are in the military. She loved openly and unconditionally.
Ruth Carter
February 4, 2023
I knew Suzanne when we were both in Covenant Players. She's the one who interviewed me over the phone for the job. We never knew each other all that well, but I knew her as a triple threat because of her gifts of acting, singing, and dancing. Beyond that, I knew her as somebody with a heart for Jesus, always ready with a smile. Many, many years later, I got to know her a little better through Facebook, and that indomitable spirit continued to shine through.
Nick Koopalethes, Leesburg VA
February 4, 2023
I shall always remember Suzanne because she was a gracious friend and sister-in-The Lord to my dear wife, Joanne. Both women Loved The Lord Jesus Christ and longed to serve Him and be with Him for eternity.
Both are now with Christ who they both Loved and Served.
I know, that as Suzanne entered the gates of Heaven she was rejoicing, as she continues to do.
Suzanne made time to remember my wife to me, and always sent a note, a card or text to encourage me in the Lord.
Thank you Suzanne for your life and your ministry to me, my family and untold others -- Rest in Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Paul and Dawn Titus
February 4, 2023
Dawn and I will remember Suzanne as a faithful and consistent friend, one who always supported us in ministry and who even recently (over 20 years since we've last seen her) has reached out on occasion to share a memory or send a note of encouragement. We are so glad to have known both Doug and Suzanne, and we know we will meet again -- we are looking forward to singing together once again with our beloved sister in Christ!
Jody Schnug Hughes
February 3, 2023
Sending many heartfelt thoughts and prayers to all. With deepest sympathy.
Jody Schnug Hughes
Jean English
February 3, 2023
I first met Suzanne at VCU when I as freshman moved into the dorm where she was the resident advisor. A bubbly short girl with a smile as wide and bright as the sun, bounced in to my room. We both discovered we were in theater and became lifelong friends even though we later lived on opposite sides of the country. I will miss her sweet and funny texts, her always reaching out to see what was going on in my life. Suzanne´s faith in the Lord was boundless, I will miss her vivacious spirit.
Shayne
February 3, 2023
Suzzane was so kind and a great person to talk to when I first moved to the area a few years ago. I ran into her last summer at a church retreat and it was so great to see her smiling face. I know that she has her huge smile on now with Jesus. My condolences to her dear family who will miss her greatly.
Wishing you comfort at this time.
Patrice Smith
February 3, 2023
Suzanne was such a sweet woman. She would always email and check on me as I was going through breast cancer and just periodically to ask how she could pray for me. She showed me how to do Gideon Bible distribution, taking me all over Purcellville to every medical office, including veterinarians. She was passionate about getting the Good News of the Bible out to anyone and everyone. She was an inspiration.
Blanca Wiggins, Rosa and Amanda
February 3, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this difficult time. We will always remember Suzanne for the love, kindness and that beautiful voice!
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