Virginia Beach- Martha Alderman Travis, 89, went to be with the Lord February 2, 2015. She was born August 17, 1925 in Newport News, Virginia to the late Dr. Ernest and Ruby Alderman and was raised in Richmond, Virginia. She is preceded in death by her husband Henderson Denard Travis, Jr., her son, Stephen Travis and her grandson, Zachary Moorman.
Martha retired from Virginia Beach Schools as a teacher’s assistant in 1990. She volunteered as a docent at the Old Coast Guard Station in Virginia Beach where she was awarded Volunteer of the Year for the City of Virginia Beach in 1991. She was a long-time PTA member for Cooke Elementary where she was received the award for Lifetime PTA Membership. She was also a member of the Presbyterian Women where she received the Lifetime Achievement Award. She was always honored to call herself a Cub Scout Den Mother and a Virginia Beach Little League Concessionaire. For the past two years Martha lived at the Atria in Virginia Beach where she lived a very active lifestyle, holding the position of Ambassador and a friend to all.
Martha is survived by her children, Henderson “Hank” Travis and his wife Helen, Margaret “Maggie” Lawrence, Mary Riggs and her husband David, and Carol Moorman and her husband Jack; five grandchildren, Michael McNamara, Shannon Girdlestone, Billy Riggs, Tim Riggs, and Sarah Moorman; six great-grandchildren, Samie Girdlestone, Emily McNamara, Severn Girdlestone, Evelynn McNamara, Nathen Girdlestone and Nathalie Girdlestone; sister, Peggy Hobson and her husband Bernie; and nephews, Mike Hobson and wife, Robin and Randy Hobson and wife, Christine.
A visitation will be Thursday, February 5 from 6-8pm at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 1801 Baltic Ave. A celebration of life will be Friday, February 6 at 4pm at First Presbyterian Church of VB, 300 36th St., VB 23451. A private burial will take place in Norfolk. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad.
Carol, I’m so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Carol, Martha & Mary – Your mom was such a dear sweet woman and will be missed by so many, especially her children. Her gentle spirit was an example for all of us.
Carol, so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you, Jack and Sarah.
Carol, your mother added so much to the Old Coast Guard Station. It was my pleasure to know her… a fine person. She will be missed by many. My sympathy to you all.
Ann Dearman
I experienced some of my happiest days working at the Old Coast Guard Station with Martha. She beamed sunshine on all who entered the building. I will never forget this lovely and tireless lady and neither will those who volunteered with her.
Condolences to her family.
Ruth Weekley
I met Martha at Atria and she was the sweetest, kindest person I ever met. I will miss her smile. I enjoyed her jokes, she always stopped and said hi to George Marion and I. Margaret you are in our thoughts at this time.
I’m so sad for the loss of this woman. She was like a second mother to me growing up. Unfortunately life gets busy and we separate as friends and family. I sincerely regret losing contact with Travis family. They were like my second family…all of them. Carol was my best friend growing up. I truly feel I lost my mother again. Much love to the Travis family
Jack:
Sorry to hear about your mother-in-law.My condolences to you and your family.
Martha had a very full and wonderful life. All should follow her capability for compassion and love for all. She will find that special place in the next stage of her life.
Miss you Mom