Martha L. Plessinger

Martha Lee Plessinger, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, in Newport News, Virginia, at the age of 93. Born on July 1, 1932, in Danville, Virginia, Martha lived a life marked by devotion to her family, friends, and community.

Martha graduated from Hampton High School in 1950 and went on to work as an agent at a collection agency for 20 years before retiring to dedicate herself to her family as a homemaker. Her love for card games was well-known, and she could often be found engrossed in a game of solitaire or sharing laughter over bingo. Martha and her beloved late husband, Jack, traveled the country by camper, exploring all 50 states. Friends and family occasionally joined them, but Martha's poodles, Tina and Gidget, were always by her side. She cherished the open road and the freedom it offered, finding joy in the beauty of nature and the thrill of adventure.

A lover of music and dance, Martha's zest for life was infectious. She enjoyed sailing, cruises, and nurturing her garden, where her fondness for flowers flourished. Her deep appreciation for the outdoors was matched only by her dedication to her faith communities. Martha was a life member and Senior Regent of Moose Fraternity Lodge 1119 in Newport News since 1952 and was an active member of Langley Baptist Church and Deerfield Beach Baptist Church, and enjoyed visiting Congregation Zion's Sake Messianic Synagogue in Newport News, and Kol Simcha Messianic Congregation in Gainesville, Florida.

Martha was preceded in death by her father, Ernest Roark; her mother, Elizabeth Roark; her siblings, Ernest, Virgil, Norman, Thomas, Mary, Bertha, and Pauline; her son, Ricky Simpkins; and her beloved husband, Jack D. Plessinger. She leaves behind a loving family, including her children, Joe [Stephanie] Simpkins, Billy [Shirley] Simpkins, and Linda [Richard] Jones; her bonus daughter, Faye Pless; and her daughter-in-law, Susie Simpkins, as well as nine grandchildren and thirty-plus great-grandchildren who will carry on her legacy of love and resilience.

She is also survived by her dear friends, David and Diane Malone, and Dot Johnson, who brought her much joy and companionship over the years.

Services to honor and celebrate Martha's life will be held on Wednesday, January 21st, at 2 PM at Riverside Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service at Peninsula Memorial Park at 3 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Martha's memory.

Martha Lee Plessinger's warmth, strength, and adventurous spirit touched all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by those whose lives she enriched.