Martha Simpson Householder

She is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, David Wesley Householder; her father, Ralph Edwin Simpson; her mother, Cebell Fleming Simpson; and her sisters, Betty Simpson Chandler and Myra Ann Simpson Fricks.

She is survived by her children, Mark Alan Householder (Melanie) and Ann Householder Murphy; her granddaughter, Kattie Chabot (Daniel) and two great grandchildren, Macey and Dylan; her granddaughter, Jessica Vance (Jordan); and two great grandsons, Griffin and Graham; her grandson, Jacob Thomas Murphy; her granddaughter, Peyton Elizabeth Householder; and her brother, Ralph Edwin Simpson, Jr. She also leaves behind many cherished lifelong friends whose love, friendship, and companionship enriched her life through the years.

She spent a number of years with Bank of Virginia and Commonwealth Cash Register, though her favorite vocation was being a wife and mother. She took great joy in caring for her family, creating a welcoming home, and later embracing the special blessings of being a grandmother and great-grandmother.

Martha loved her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with all of her heart and cherished every minute she spent with them. She enjoyed participating in her many Bible study groups as well as gardening, but preparing, cooking and decorating for Christmas was her passion. We are already wondering where we will find Christmas cookies as good as hers.

She and her husband, David, were devoted members of Hanover Friends Church for over 50 years where their faith became an important part of their lives and their legacy. They had a deep love for studying the Bible and continually sought to grow in their understanding of God’s Word. They generously shared their faith, wisdom, and life experiences by mentoring and encouraging others. They put their faith into practice daily.

The family will receive friends from 4PM – 5PM on Friday, November 20, 2026, followed by a memorial service at 5PM at Woody’s Funeral Home, 9271 Shady Grove Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23116. A reception will follow at 6PM at Mark and Melanie Householder’s home, 9186 Shelton Pointe Drive, Mechanicsville, VA 23116.