Doris Sloan Martin

Doris Sloan Martin passed away with her daughters by her side on March 10, 2022.  Doris was born in Callaway, Virginia on May 2, 1926, to the late Talton and Pearl Sloan.  She enjoyed many happy days as a child walking to Phoebe Needles School with her sisters and brother, Garnett Jones, Gillie Parcell and Freeman Sloan, who all proceeded her in death.   She was married to the late Roy Cecil Martin for 69 years and during that time they loved and nurtured three daughters, Cynthia Jackson (Jay) of Santee, SC, Harriet Castanes (Angelo) of Bedford and the late Sandra Johnson (Neil).

Doris had a passion for crafts and gardening.  She loved to grow and arrange flowers as well tend to her tomato garden.  She and Roy loved working in the yard together and were most proud when they won Yard of the Month.  As she became homebound, she would spend hours tying and making blankets for her family and friends as well as arranging cut flowers that friends and family brought her.

For many years she was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Salem where she enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Bible School to elementary students.  While living in Chesterfield they attended Branch’s Baptist Church and made many life-long friends. After moving to Forest, she and Roy became active members of Calvary Baptist Church where she was a member of the Friendship Class.

Doris leaves behind four grandchildren to cherish their many happy visits with her.  Dr. Benjamin Jackson (Jill) of Irmo, SC, Katy Handell (Kevin) of Lexington, SC, Dr. Brooke Castanes and Alexis Castanes both of Bedford.  Alexis shared her grandmother’s birthday, and it was always a special occasion for them to share a dual birthday cake together.   Doris was also blessed with six great-grandchildren, Noah, Owen, Wyatt and Webb Jackson as well as Mary Scott and Jackson Handell.  Special nieces and nephew that needs to be thanked for their continued love and support for mom over the years are Rhonda Martin Hartman, Jannie Lanier, Garry Jones and Teri Sandy.

The family wishes to thank her loving caregivers who took such special care of her the last several years, Susan, Teresa, Linda, Debbie, Gevetta, Melissa and Sue.  She could never remember everyone’s name, but she knew that they loved her like family, and she definitely loved them back.  We would also like to thank Gentle Shepard Hospice for the care they gave mom and to all of the family.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, March 17, 2022, at Sherwood Memorial Park, 1250 E. Main Street in Salem at 2:00 p.m. Reverend Dan Agee of Callaway will conduct the service.

For friends and family wishing to make memorials we are suggesting that memorials be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 20957 Timberlake Drive, Lynchburg 24502 or to Phoebe Needles Center, 732 Turners Creek Road, Callaway, VA  24067.

 Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.