Martha Spriggs Thomas, 87, departed this life on Monday, July 15, 2024, after a weekend of final fellowship with family and friends. Martha was born on December 2, 1936 in Cardinal, Virginia, and was the youngest child of the late Charles and Daisy Spriggs.

She graduated from Thomas Hunter School in Mathews County in 1955 and received her bachelor’s degree from Virginia State University. She later earned her master’s degree from Hampton Institute, now University.

Martha married the late Lemuel Thomas Sr. on December 29, 1957 and spent the next 65 years with him loving what life offers.

Martha started her professional career as a teacher and coach at the then Thomas Hunter School before transferring to teach and coach at Mathews High School. She retired from the Mathews County School System in the early 1990s after nearly 35 years of honorable and faithful service.

In her “off time,” Martha served as the church clerk and senior choir member of Zion Baptist Church, a member of the Mathews County Planning Commission, and a member of the National Association of University Women. She spent as much time as possible immersing herself and educating others on the Bible’s teachings, enjoying Thousand Trails, playing pinochle, and traveling around the country and abroad to visit family.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband; her parents, and her siblings, Charles II, Sallie, Hattie, Marie, and Alfonso.

Mourning her loss, yet rejoicing in her homegoing, and cherishing her memory are her son, Lemuel Thomas Jr. (Phillisia); grandkids, Uland (Angie), Joi, Lemuel III, and Cydney, and great-grandson, Otis. She will be also remembered by her sisters-in-law, Mary Spencer, Sandra Jackson, Helen Thomas, Irene Spriggs, and Dora Spriggs. Fond memories of her will be carried on by her multiple generations of nieces and nephews and the thousands of students who were fortunate enough to take her class.

A family-only viewing will be held at Antioch Baptist Church in Susan, Va., on Sunday, July 21, 2024, from 2:30-3 p.m., followed immediately by a general public viewing from 3-3:30. The funeral service will begin promptly at 3:30.

Arrangements are entrusted to Forrest Brothers Funeral Home, Hudgins, Va.