She transitioned to eternal life on November 4, 2020. Bivia was the third of four children born to Edward and Elvera Luther. Her Mother, Father and younger sister Resa Luther preceded her in death.
Bivia was baptized as a baby at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in New Orleans. She was educated in the Catholic school system in Kansas City, MO, attending Blessed Sacrament elementary school and graduating from Bishop Lillis High School in 1976.
Bivia spent part of her adult life living on the west coast, but upon her return to the Kansas area held positions as a counselor at the Youth Center of Topeka (YCAT) and later took a job as an officer with the Kansas Department of Corrections.
In 1990, Bivia was blessed with a son, Evan Peyton Hayes Booker, and being his mom was her ultimate joy. On December 14, 1996 she married the love of her life, Gale Martin. They were inseparable and shared 23 wonderful years together until her passing. Through the years, Gale proved to be not only a wonderful husband and best friend, but also an excellent caregiver.
All who knew Bivia, know that she was ill for a long time. But being the strong and determined woman that she was, refused to let her illness stop her from living her life as best she could. It was not unusual for Bivia to be released from the hospital one day, and have Gale making a pallet in the back of the SUV so they could leave on a vacation road trip to visit family within the next few days. Her family meant everything to her!
She was a strong woman and was never afraid to speak her mind. What we will miss most is her awesome sense of humor. She kept all of us laughing, even until the end.
Bivia is survived by her husband Rev. Gale Martin, her son Evan Booker, her stepdaughters, Amara Martin, Tamika Martin, Brittany Westerman. A sister, Shazada Ivy, brothers Sidney Luther (Cathy) and Edward Luther Jr. (Beverly). A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other extended family and friends.
