Martha Moore Showalter, 89, of Lynchburg, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 9, 2018.
Martha was born July 12, 1928 in Lynchburg, a daughter of the late Fred Leslie Showalter, Sr., and Mattie Ould Showalter. Martha was a graduate of E.C. Glass High School, and attended Longwood College and graduated from Lynchburg College. She went on to receive her Master’s in Education from the University of Virginia. Martha taught in the Lynchburg City School system for over 30 years and spent two years with Overseas Dependents Schools in Grafenwoehr, Germany.
Martha was extremely active in her community, belonging to the Lynchburg Art Club, Peakland Baptist Church, where she sang in the church choir and served as a deaconess, and was a volunteer at the Virginia Baptist Hospital for almost 25 years. Martha had numerous achievements in both Art and Music arts, which included: state winner of the Virginia Young Artists and was a regional winner of Singer of the Year, sponsored by the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Martha participated locally and statewide in numerous operas, musicals, oratorios, auditions, concerts, and dramas. She was also very talented in the art of pastel painting.
She is survived by one sister-in-law, Anne Showalter, one nephew Steve Showalter, and four nieces, Kathy Draper, Kirk Showalter, Caroline Hipple, and Elizabeth Hunter. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by three brothers, Fred Showalter, Jr., Bill Showalter, and Sonny Showalter.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Peakland Baptist Church, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 17, 2018. A Celebration of Martha’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Peakland Baptist Church with the Rev. Nathan C. Brooks, III and Rev. Dr. Michael K. Cheuk officiating. A reception will follow the service at the church. Interment will be held privately at Spring Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to Peakland Baptist Church 4018 Peakland Place, Lyncburg, VA 24503.