Jessie Jessie Soyars Soyars Martin Durham

Jessie Soyars Martin Durham, age 91, of 100 Dicky’s Drive, Martinsville, died Monday, December 26, 2011, in Memorial Hospital of Martinsville and Henry County. Born December 28, 1919, in Patrick County, she was a daughter of the late Major T. Soyars and Georgia Cruise Soyars. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by husbands John D. (Dick) Durham of 36 years, and Richard E. Martin of 18 years, six sisters, Virginia S. Wrenn, Vera S. Campbell, Mabel S. Stephens, Minnie S. Troutman, Ava S. Klutz, Jeanette S. Caricofe, three brothers, Paul E. Soyars, David T. Soyars, Earl C. Soyars, and one step-son Richard Terry Martin, and special friend Justian A. Kelly. Jessie was a graduate of Blue Ridge Mission High School, Averett College, and Mary Washington College. She taught school in Patrick County and Henry County before going to DuPont where she retired with 40 years of service from the Industrial Engineering section. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Martinsville, a member of the Placide Mitchell Sunday School Class, the Women’s Missionary Union and other church organizations. She was a member of the Martinsville Literary Guild Book Club, the UDC, the American Business Women’s Association, and she was an avid bridge player for 50 years. After retiring from DuPont she volunteered at Memorial Hospital in the emergency room for 15 years. Survivors include a brother Silas G. Soyars of Danville, daughters Carolyn C. Tosh of Martinsville, Lisa Caricofe of Lewisville, NC, granddaughter Bridget N. Tosh of Martinsville, great-grandson Aidan Caricofe of Lewisville, NC, numerous other nieces and nephews, step-children Jim Martin and his wife Abbie of Collinsville, William (Bill) Martin of New Bern, NC, and step-daughter-in-law Lannie Martin of Richmond, and a special friend Talmadge Mitchell of Martinsville. The funeral service will be held Thursday, December 29, 2011, at Noon, in First Baptist Church of Martinsville with the Rev. Dr. Dennis Knight and the Rev. John Fulcher officiating. Entombment in Roselawn Mausoleum will follow. The family will receive friends from 11 to Noon prior to the service in the church. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Martinsville, 23 Starling Ave., Martinsville, VA, 24112. McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville, Virginia, is serving the Durham family where online condolences may be made at www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com.