Martha Wilson Trotter

Martha Pearce Wilson Trotter, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, missionary, and gentle soul, was called to her Heavenly home on September 3, 2026, at the age of 91. A native of Richmond, Va., Martha spent her final years in residence at The Sylvestery at Vinson Hall Retirement Community in McLean, Va.

Martha lived her life with an unwavering faith and a profound commitment to serving others. For 43 years of marriage, she served in ministry with her beloved husband, the late Rev. George Richmond Trotter. Together, they answered a calling for a life of Christian service. Moving far from their Virginia roots to the mission fields of Southeast Asia, Martha served with George in Indonesia (1966–79), where they began their ministry, and Macau (1981–92), where they worked with Indonesian-speaking refugees living in shantytowns. Through decades of missionary work, Martha raised three children in foreign lands with resourcefulness, grace, and unconditional love.

Martha and George returned to Richmond for their retirement, and she assumed the role of George’s primary caregiver during his struggle with advanced Parkinson’s Disease until his passing. In 2020, she relocated to The Sylvestery to be closer to her family. Known by her grandchildren as GrandMartha, she doted on her children and grandchildren alike with effusive affection. She greeted everyone with a radiant smile and a gentle and loving spirit that endeared her to everyone she met.

Martha was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. George Richmond Trotter; her cherished daughter, Rosella Trotter Long; her brother, John Nichols Wilson Jr; and her sisters, Mary Jayne Wilson Breeden, Elizabeth Wilson Anderson, and Diana Leon Wilson.

Martha is survived by her devoted sons, Richmond Seay Trotter and Joel Hale Trotter (and his wife, Gayle), eight adoring grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and an extended network of lifelong friends across the globe. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.”

A service of remembrance and celebration of Martha’s life will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Woody’s Funeral Home (Parham), 1771 North Parham Rd., Richmond, Va. 23229. Visitation at 12:30 pm, service at 1:30 pm, and interment to follow at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Va.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation (Resident Assistance Fund) in support of The Sylvestery.