Bettie S. Martin, 91, of 2081 Nansemond Pkwy, Suffolk, passed away Sunday, February 3, 2008 in her home. She was born on April 29, 1916 to the late Luddie and Justina Copeland.

Bettie was married to the late Henry Martin whom she loved dearly and cherished so many fond memories until her death. Bettie worked until the ripe ole’ age of eighty-eight in various jobs including, Sears & Roebuck, Mack Benn, Jr. Elementary School, Nansemond River High School and others located throughout the Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Suffolk areas. She was a faithful and dedicated member of Metropolitan Baptist Church where she served for a number of years as a member of the Senior Usher Ministry, Mitchell Memorial Sunday School Class and the Harvester’s Missionary Circle. Bettie loved her church and church family.

She was active in her community serving as a secretary of the Nansemond Parkway Civic League and as a volunteer of the Senior Companion Program of Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia. Bettie was also affiliated with the Makeda Court No.1, Ancient Arabic Order Daughters of Sphinx, International Jurisdiction, Inc.; Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Inc., State of Virginia; Alamoth Chapter No.93, Order of Eastern Star, Under the Jurisdiction of the Supreme Council of Louisiana, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite; and Elks Lodge, Golden Gate Temple #90.

She leaves to cherish her memory: foster daughter, Melody Kebéé of Temple Hills, MD; foster son, Jerome Smith of Portsmouth, VA; first cousins, Doris "Laura" Britt, Gertrude Watson, Ophelia Taylor and a host of other relatives, friends and neighbors.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, February 8, 2008 at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 125 County Street, Suffolk, with Dr. Robert L. Hobbs, officiating. The body will be placed in the church at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be in Carver Memorial Cemetery. Viewing will begin Thursday, February 7, 2008 from 12:00 noon - 9:00 p.m. and before funeral services. Crocker Funeral home is in charge of arrangements.