Eda Martin

Eda Williams Martin passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on September 14, 2025.

She was born August 20, 1931 in Richmond, Va., the first child of Eda Carter and Walter Armistead Williams Jr. She grew up in Richmond's West End with her sisters Roberta and Alice. She attended St. Catherine's School, Chatham Hall ('49), Bradford Junior College, and Smith College ('53). After graduation, she trained at the Pan-American Secretarial School which prepared her for her first job at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

In 1955 she married William Watkins Martin, Jr. They lived in New York City during his medical residency, then returned to Richmond and raised three daughters in Eda's childhood home.

Eda had a strong and abiding faith and commitment to help those less fortunate. She was active at St. James's Episcopal Church, volunteered with the Junior League, Sheltering Arms Hospital, Planned Parenthood, and as a Meals on Wheels driver. Her daughters remember her unselfish example of bringing them along to visit shut-ins at hospitals and The Virginia Home after church on Sundays.

After her 1981 divorce, Eda started a new chapter in Williamsburg, Va. Always inquisitive and a lifelong learner, she worked towards a master's degree in American Studies at William & Mary. She then found her perfect job as an historical interpreter for Colonial Williamsburg, where she guided tours, wearing full colonial garb, for 15 happy years. As a devoted member of Bruton Parish Church, she developed a vibrant community of friends and new interests.

Eda loved Halloween, April Fool's jokes, crafting, and hiking with her children and grandchildren. Into her 90s, she "never ever ever stopped moving," (a favorite motto), joining exercise classes and a biking club. She was the family historian, researching and compiling multiple works on both Williams and Martin family history, plus her own memoirs. In 2010, Eda moved to Williamsburg Landing, where she enjoyed many friends and activities, and received compassionate care in her later years.

Eda loved opera, theater, art, travel, a good book, Squam Lake, and she never refused a bowl of coffee ice cream. Her legacy of devotion to those she loved, her unwavering spirit and perseverance, her wisdom and good humor will continue to be an inspiration to all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her sisters, Roberta Lee (Philip), and Alice Vining (Joe); her daughters, Eda Joyce (Tiger), Katharine Rubin (Daniel), Roberta Martin (Denny McArdle); and seven grandchildren, William and Alexander Joyce, Caroline, Hannah and Samuel Rubin, and Noah and Ethan Tapper. Recently, she was delighted to welcome her first great-grandchild, Kit Lambe (daughter of Caroline and husband Stephen).

The family is eternally grateful for the loving care provided by Eda's "bonus daughter," Liz Anthony, as well as for the wonderful Williamsburg Landing Assisted Living and Health & Rehabilitation Center staff.

A celebration of Eda's life will be held at Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg on Saturday, October 11 at 2 p.m., with a reception to follow in the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in her memory to Episcopal Relief & Development, or to This Century Art Gallery.