Martha Virginia Dunn
Martha Dunn, aka “Kink”, age 74, passed away peacefully in Hampton on December 23, 2022, with family by her side. Born May 18, 1948 in Suffolk, Virginia to the late James, Jr and Iris (Hill) Dunn, the family migrated to Hampton in early 1950’s, where Martha grew up. After graduating from Hampton High School in 1967, she began her career in federal contracting at Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company as a Technical Illustrator in the Graphic Arts Department, attending the Apprentice School and Thomas Nelson Community College. In 1981 she moved to Northern Virginia to work for Advanced Technology, Inc, as an Engineer Assistant, continuing her studies at NOVA. While there she received the prestigious national Impact Award for outstanding performance in support of DOD clients. She excelled in her career over the next 34 years, with numerous awards and top-secret clearances, specializing in document production and de-classification for the Department of Energy, retiring from Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) in 2015, as Executive Administrative Assistant. In 1989 Martha moved to reside in the beautiful West Virginia mountains (Harpers Ferry area), commuting to Germantown, MD and Washington DC for her work. That did not stop her from heading to the beach whenever possible. Having grown up around the water, she loved boating, fishing and just walking on the beach. She was very athletic in her prime, playing community softball, HBC volleyball, skiing, and many outdoor activities. Martha was loved by all who met her. She was genuinely kind-hearted, loved interacting with people, animals, and all of God’s creations. Martha was dedicated to her family and friends, and an avid Washington Redskins Fan! She was very entertaining and always made family gatherings fun and special! Martha’s positive spirit was rooted in and cultivated by her faith in God. She remains an inspiration to all who knew her. Special, heartfelt gratitude goes out to Dr. John Kessler and staff of Virginia Oncology Associates, nursing care by @Heart Homecare and Hospice, and Hampton Baptist Church family and staff. Martha is preceded in death by her mother, Iris Hill (Dunn) Hancock and beloved brother-in-law, Roddy McKendree. She is survived by brother, James T Dunn, III and wife Angie, sister Betty Dunn Berge and sister Susanna Dunn McKendree; 13 nieces/nephews and 12 great-nieces/ nephews; best friend and partner Hebe Wiseman; special fur babies and treasured friends.
A service will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Noon at Hampton Baptist Church located at 40 Kings Way, Hampton, VA 23669. Online service can be viewed live stream @ www.facebook. com/hamptonbaptistchurch. Reception to follow service with family and friends, in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Hampton Baptist Church Memorial Fund in Martha’s name, or to the Roddy McKendree Memorial Camp Fund, www.nvcsa.org or Northern Virginia Cued Speech Association (NVCSA), P. O. Box 2733, Fairfax, VA 22031-2733.
Arrangements by R Hayden Smith Funeral Home of Hampton.