Beryl Elizabeth Martin

Beryl Elizabeth Martin was born on September 21, 1926 in Lynchburg, Virginia to Almyra Elizabeth Higginbotham and Walter Scott Martin. She went to be with her Lord on December 19, 2022. She was preceded in death by her parents, her twin brother, Dr. Earl Martin, her brother, Walter Scott Martin, Jr., and her sisters, Christine Graham and Evelyn Henning. Beryl is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and her beloved sister-in-law, Margaret (Mrs. Earl) Martin.

In June 1943 she was graduated from E. C. Glass High School and went to work at Peoples National Bank at age 16. During her time at the bank, Beryl took many classes (in person and by correspondence) offered by the American Institute of Banking through which she earned her Certification in Commercial Banking. She served in the National Association of Bank Women and, also, the Business and Professional Women’s Club. She ultimately retired from banking in October 1988 as Assistant Vice President from what had evolved to become Sovran Bank, now Bank of America.

In 1963 Beryl, who never married, and her mother moved into a modest home in Ft. Hill. Beryl
devoted her time to her career, her mother’s care, and babysitting her nieces and nephews.

Following cardiac bypass surgery, Beryl assisted in getting the Blue Ridge Mended Hearts Chapter 16 chartered in November 1989. She served that great organization, helping others with heart disease and honoring the chapter motto “It’s great to be alive and to help others.”
She went on to serve as the Chapter President in 1993.

Beryl was a member Trinity Methodist Church from “cradle roll” to its closure when it merged with Chestnut Hill United Methodist in 1985. She felt at home there and had many opportunities to continue serving in various capacities including Sunday school teacher on a rotational basis until she was 95.

The family will receive friends at 10 am on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church, Lynchburg, Virginia. A celebration of her life will follow at 11 am at the church, with graveside afterward at Fort Hill Cemetery.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family. To send condolences, please visit tharpfuneralhome.com.