Martha Stewart

Martha Green Stewart was born December 15, 1923 in Brunswick County, Virginia. She was the second and last survivor of four children born to Nell and Rufus Peter Green. She went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February16, 2013 – entering into eternal rest and peace. Martha was educated in the Brunswick County Virginia Public School System. As she often recounted, her mother died when she was just a little girl. She would look back and see how God was with her and her siblings as they grew up without their mother. Her early Christian upbringing led her to become a member of Bethany Baptist Church in Brunswick County and later a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia. She moved to Portsmouth when she was very young, where she married Joseph Stewart. From this marriage, five children were born. Her husband, Joe, and their two sons, Eddie and Joseph, Jr. preceded her in death. Martha was trained in Cosmetology and took pride in using her cosmetology skills. She was employed as a domestic engineer for several years. As a young adult, Martha had a hunger and thirst for God. She accepted the saving grace of God and was set apart for God’s service -- born again, “sanctified” for the service of the Lord. She received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost in the 1950’s in the midst of a Church of God in Christ assembly. Martha, along with her two youngest children, was at the opening service of the dedicatory services of the Holy Trinity Church building on Main Street in 1955. Little did she know that day that this church in her neighborhood would be the assembly of believers with whom she would join and remain with until God called her home. In 1956, she joined the Holy Trinity Church (currently Holy Trinity Church No. 1, Portsmouth, Virginia). On fire for the Lord, she served faithfully. She was a Deaconess prior to being licensed as a Missionary in the Federation of Holy Trinity Churches (FHTC). God called Martha to the ministry --- that is, to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to reach the lost. She accepted that call with great passion -- boldly she went out into the neighborhood and preached Jesus. In June 1959, Martha was licensed as a Missionary in the Federation of Holy Trinity Churches, under the pastorate of Elder Frazier W. Kennedy. For many years, she preached with power, under the anointing of the Holy Ghost. For many years, Missionary Stewart (as she was affectionately known) and Missionary Mother Pearline Edmonds worked the mission field together in the Portsmouth-Norfolk, Virginia area – evangelizing and ministering to the sick and shut-in. Missionary Stewart was a soul-winner- – standing for righteousness –standing for holiness. She was a woman of prayer – a woman of faith – a woman concerned about the souls of humankind. She was indeed a laborer in the vineyard and when she could no longer get out to minister, she had a vibrant telephone ministry -- praying, preaching and encouraging. She was a “praiser” and a “worshipper” of God. For many years, she invested in the lives of people, telling of God’s saving grace wherever she was – to whomever she met. She was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; she did not compromise it; she did not apologize for it; she enthusiastically shared it. She virtually made the most of each opportunity to speak words of life into the hearts of people – reminding them of Jesus’ promise to come again – “this time, as Judge.” She often closed her conversation with believers with the words, “Stay with God.” Not only did Missionary Stewart minister to the spiritual needs of people, she responded to their human needs with compassion. She loved and was loved. She loved her church and had great respect for the Federation of Holy Trinity Churches. We thank God for her legacy of faithfulness in the service of the Lord. Surviving to share and celebrate precious memories: three daughters --- Lula Stewart of Washington, DC, Elsie Bess of Upper Marlboro, MD; Shirley Stewart-Coates (Matthew) of Laurel, MD; daughter-in-law, Evangeline Stewart of Portsmouth, VA; eleven grandchildren – Sharon Stewart, David Stewart, Joseph Earl Stewart, Antwan Stewart, Yolanda Darville (Dr. Michael N’Tari Darville), Eddie Stewart, Jr., Anthony Stewart, Felencia Stewart, Makena Stewart, Rebecca Bess, Madison Coates; four great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews, devoted special family members – Celeste Reavis and Carolyn Porter; other relatives, friends and church family.

Martha Stewart

December 15, 1923 - February 16, 2013