Esther Martha Ann Carter Ivory

Esther Martha Ann Carter Ivory, 80 of Richmond, Virginia entered eternal rest on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

A Time to Be Born

Esther Martha Ann Carter was born on October 26, 1945, in Bowling Green, Virginia, to Esther Browning Rich and William Vanderbilt Carter, Sr. Martha—affectionately called Martha Ann by her family—received her early education at Union Elementary School and the historic Union High School, where she played clarinet in both the concert and marching bands.

• A Time to Plant

• She joined Shiloh Baptist Church at an early age and faithfully served as a pianist and Sunday School teacher by age fifteen. She also studied at the Philips School of Music, participating in recitals twice yearly. Martha later earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Virginia Union University.

• A Time to Work She began her career in juvenile justice at the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center, retiring as Assistant Superintendent in November 2001 after 32 years of dedicated service. Following retirement, she discovered a passion for quilting and became a founding member of both the Sisters of the Yam African American Quilters Guild (2002) and the Kuumba Afrikan American Quilters Guild (2012).

• A Time to Harvest

• Her artistry produced more than twenty quilts and wall hangings, including original works such as Layhill Farm, Unity of Coloration, and Library Chandelier. Her George Washington Hawkins Family Quilt honored her late husband’s family history through documents, photographs, and records. Even after a diabetic coma in 2014, which left her without sight in her right eye, she continued quilting with unwavering determination. Martha enjoyed writing poetry and contributed “Reflections of 2020 and Years Before” to accompany a quilted wall hanging in the Stop the Pain exhibit at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia in 2021. Her community involvement included the Delver Woman’s Club, where she served as Treasurer and participated in the Art Interest group for over forty years; Elizabeth Harris #86 Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliation of Virginia; and the Pilgrim Baptist Church Usher Board, Minnie Boulware Missionary Circle, and Women’s Ministry. She also served as Treasurer for Pilgrim Baptist Church’s Chelsea Hill Project and as a trustee and Treasurer for the Mount Lawn Cemetery Association (2004–2013).

• A Time to Love

• She was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life the late Mr. Henry Lee Ivory, Jr. on June 21, 1980. They loved playing tennis and listening to gospel music but most of all they loved each other. Martha leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, India Ivory‑Greene (Stephen) and Inga Ivory; adopted children Aja, Kelly, and Evelyn; nephews John, Stephen, Girard, and William; niece Michelle; and a host of great‑nieces, great‑nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

• Memorial Events

• Viewing/Visitation (Richmond, VA)
  Date: Monday, July 20, 2026
  Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  Location: Pilgrim Baptist Church 1900 Whitcomb Street, Richmond, VA 23223

• Celebration of Life Service (Richmond, VA)
  Date: Monday, July 20, 2026
  Time: 11:00 AM
  Location: Pilgrim Baptist Church, 1900 Whitcomb Street, Richmond, VA 23223

• Viewing/Visitation (Bowling Green, VA)
  Date: Monday, July 20, 2026,
  Time:  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  Location: C. W. Edwards Funeral Home, Inc.,  16476 Richmond Turnpike,  Bowling Green, VA 22427

• Interment/Burial (Woodford, VA)
  Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2026
  Time: 10:00 AM
  Location: Mount Lawn Cemetery,  9327 Woodford Road,  Woodford, VA 22580

Services of comfort entrusted to: 
C.W. Edwards Funeral Home, Inc., 16476 Richmond Turnpike, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427
A. Stevie Adams, Funeral Service Licensee