Mary Alice Gadd Martinez, 88, of Ronceverte, WV, passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at Peyton Hospice House in Lewisburg. Born on Feb. 21, 1937, in Duo, WV, Mary was the cherished daughter of the late Milton Claude and Lillie Mae Hart Gadd. She grew up surrounded by family, faith, and the values that shaped her kind and generous spirit.
Mary began her professional journey working for the FBI in Washington, DC. Her time in the nation’s capital was filled with dedication and a sense of duty. Later, she returned home to West Virginia, where she devoted her talents to the family business as a bookkeeper at IGA, contributing to the community she loved.
A devoted member of the Baptist faith, Mary found comfort and purpose in her beliefs. She delighted in simple pleasures – reading the newspaper, challenging herself with word searches, spending precious time with her children, and enjoying classic television, especially “Gunsmoke” and “Dr. Charles Stanley.” She was a loyal fan of the Washington Redskins, never missing a game on TV when she could with her granddaughter “Baby,” Jaime.
Mary’s greatest joy was her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Milton Claude and Lillie Mae Hart Gadd, and her brothers: Edwin Olin, William Eugene, John Paul, and Clarence Milton Gadd. She leaves behind her loving children, Jack Martinez and Darlene Richmond, along with her beloved grandchildren: Jaime Richmond, John Daniel Martinez, Janice Claudine Fusco, and Damian Martinez. Her legacy continues through five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who will carry forward her memory. She is also survived by a lifelong friend, Norma Hart.
A funeral service celebrating Mary’s life will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6, at Morgan Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Gary Baker officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation one hour prior to the service. Mary will be laid to rest at the End of the Trail Cemetery in Clintonville at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Peyton Hospice House, 1265 Maplewood Avenue, Lewisburg, WV 24901.
Expressions of sympathy and memories may be shared by signing the online guestbook at www.morganfh.net. Arrangements have been entrusted to Morgan Funeral Home, Lewisburg, WV.
Mary will be remembered for her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Her presence will be dearly missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
