Mary Virginia (Stevens) Martin, 88, died on May 18, 2012 at her home in Street, Maryland with her loving family at her side. She was the widow of the late Dr. Gerald A. Martin, Sr., MD. Dr. Martin was a United States Navy medical officer, killed in action in Korea.

Virginia was born in Street, Maryland in 1923. She was the daughter of the late Wilton LeRoy and Mary Famous Stevens. She graduated from Highland High School in 1940. She earned her undergraduate degree from Asbury College in Wilmore, KY and Master's Degree in Education from University of Maryland and later completed significant pre-doctorial course work at Drexel University. Early on, she served as the Staff Dietician for Harford Memorial Hospital. This was an especially challenging assignment because diet specific meals had to be prepared within the strict restrictions imposed by the World War II Ration Stamps program. Later she worked as a Home Economics Agent with the Maryland Extension Service, which included extensive work with the 4-H Club programs in Baltimore and Harford counties. Virginia taught Home Economics in both the Harford and Baltimore County Senior High schools, and later held various administrative and supervisory positions in Home Economics with the Maryland State Board of Education.

Virginia is survived by one brother, Arthur F. Stevens of Street and two sons; Robert and (wife Susan Hanna) Martin of Whiteford, and Gerald Jr. (and wife Veronica Schenning) Martin of Street.

Virginia was lovingly called "Dappy" or "Nannie" by her four treasured grandchildren; Jane (and husband Mark) Marchand of Cary, NC; Megan (and husband John) Holden of Bristow, VA; Joshua (and wife Colleen) Martin of Fawn Grove, PA; and Jacob (and wife Shannon) Martin of Abingdon, MD; as well as her six great grandchildren; Austin, Brady, Kate and Emily Jane Marchand; and Wyatt and Finn Holden.

Virginia enjoyed traveling. Trips to China, India, England, North and South Korea, ALL 50 states (and yes, that does include both Alaska and Hawaii), Europe, Tibet, Nepal, the Philippines, and good ol' Ocean City, Maryland were among her favorites. Through the years she appreciated cars that matched her "spirit". Her Pontiac GTO, Impala Super Sport, Pontiac Firebird, BMW 320i, and Honda Accord V-6 Coupe, all held a special place in her heart. In the "fun to drive" category, the bright lemon yellow 1946 Willys Jeep always ranked number one. Virginia loved fine music and the sound of classical orchestra or violin music ringing loudly through the house was common. She was a talented tailor and creative artist and especially enjoyed working barefoot in her yard and gardens. She never met a bowl of ice cream she did not like.

A lifelong member of Emory United Methodist Church, Virginia sang in the choir and held many positions of leadership in the church community. A popular vocal soloist, she sang at countless weddings and other services for decades.

A time for visitation will be held at Emory United Methodist Church, Street, Maryland on Wednesday 23, May from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The funeral service will be held at the church on Thursday morning at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Asbury College Alumni Fund in memory of Virginia (Stevens) Martin class of 1944. Call (859) 858-3511 (extension 2103) for information.