"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."   Psalm 23

Martha Mafalda Lumpkin was born March 13, 1931, in Caroline County to the late Benjamin Harrison and Alberta Byrd Fortune. She was a faithful member of St. Stephens Baptist Church. She departed this life to go home to be with the Lord on August 29, 2025.

The name "Martha" means "lady of the house" and is associated with dignity, hospitality, and a responsible nature. She represented her namesake well. She served both family and strangers generously, despite having limited resources. Her signature hugs were appreciated by all. She was an avid gardener and truly took joy in her beautiful flowers. Martha always had words of encouragement, stressed getting a good education, and the importance of being independent. She loved witnessing for God and devoted her time listening to Christian programs, music, and studying her bible faithfully. How fitting Martha labored in love all her life and she died on the cusp of Labor Day weekend for a well-deserved eternal rest.

Martha married the late Bernard Sanford Lumpkin on April 26, 1952, and from this union eleven children were born. She leaves to cherish her memory ten children: Glender Fishel (Micheal), Carlotta Lumpkin, Keenan Lumpkin (Deirdre), Serena Mondelus (Jean Paul), Damita Sullivan, Nicola Phillips, Ho Chi Lumpkin (Ethelyn), Encarnacion Lumpkin, Arvid Lumpkin (Julia), and LeVondree Hill. Fourteen Grandchildren, Twenty Great Grandchildren, One Great-Great, Two sisters, Lois Johnson, and Margie Gray, One sister-in-law, Thelma Louise Young and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

To God be the Glory for a life well lived.

A celebration of life service will be held at 9:00am on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at C.W. Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, 16476 Richmond Turnpike, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427.

Interment will follow at St Stephens Baptist Church Cemetery, 29436 Sparta Road, Milford, Virginia 22514.