Martha Bell Brice was called home by God on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at the Louisa Health and Rehabilitation Center.  She was one of six siblings born to Mandy Morris and (C.K) Corrie Morris on August 19, 1925. Martha was an active member of Zion Travelers Baptist Church up until her illness in 2007 where she was a member of the missionary board, and senior choir.

In 1944 Martha was united in holy matrimony to James Russell Brice and together they had two children: Martha Ann Waddy and James Corrie Brice (Pat). In addition to her children, she is survived by eight grandchildren: Shawn Brice (Diana), Mandy Brice, Nicole Mayo (Johnathan), Andrea Dos Santos, Cheryl Grooms, Lisa Maynard (Vick), Joyce Waddy, and Dawn Dawson (David); a host of great grandchildren; two sisters: Emma Washington (James), and Josephine Timberlake; two sisters-in-law: Irene Morris, Virginia Wilson in Georgia; and a host of other family and friends.

For many years she and several members of the church (as well as her son) and the Gospel Tones reenacted the 25th Chapter of St. Matthews known as the Ten Virgins.  They traveled throughout Washington, D.C. and Virginia presenting their show to various churches. Martha was involved in the singing, the costume design and production of the Ten Virgins. It was a teaching ministry and the demand was so great that they seldom had a weekend when they were not on the road.

She had always had a passion for sewing.  In 1952 she went to work as a supervisor for Rockingham Sleepwear in Mineral, Virginia.  There she designed the first known polo shirt for both men and women using ban-lon material.  She really got no recognition for this.  After various other sewing positions, she and her husband decided to be self-employed.  She opened her own sewing shop at home where she designed wedding apparel, and did clothing repairs. Patrons came from all over to enjoy both a bit of her wit as well as her sewing ability.

Martha was active politically at the local level. She was a local civil rights advocate and worked tirelessly to get local residents to vote.

Those who knew Martha knew that one seldom saw Martha without her husband Russell.  They both had a passion for classic cars and both could be seen at various car shows and parades together. They had a deep abiding love for each other. Martha and Russell were always available to many family and friends for emotional and financial support.

NO PUBLIC VIEWING

There will be a Celebration of Life service at 1 p.m. Tuesday, January 30, 2018 in The Sun Chapel with Rev. Austin G. Bates officiating. Interment will follow in Zion Travelers Baptist Church 3662 Roundabout Road Louisa, Virginia 23093. NO REPAST.