Betty Young Martin
Betty Lou Young Martin, 78 of Altavista, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 5, 2025 at her residence. She was born on May 22, 1947 in Virginia, a daughter of the late Arthur Sherman Young and Mazie Inez Tobler Young. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Travis Wayne Martin, three brothers, three sisters, a granddaughter, Tabitha Leigh Martin, and a grandson, Mickey Cameron, Jr.
She is survived by her daughters, Teena Martin Pickeral (Chris), Connie Roche (Charlie), and Michelle Cameron (Mickey); stepsons, Brett Martin (Ellen) and Travis Wade Martin (E.J.); eleven grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters, Peggie Gaddy, Nancy Hudspeth, and Reba Watson; and three brothers, Vernon Young (Helen), Marvin Young, and Sherman Young.
While living in North Carolina, she was employed by the Plantation Supper Club. Upon relocating to Virginia, she was employed by Magnetek (formerly Universal Electric). After giving her heart to the Lord, she began actively serving in His church, participating in various music programs and teaching positions. However, her true passion was caring for children, which resulted in her serving in the church nursery and eventual employment at Mother’s Day Out at First Baptist Church, Altavista. She was especially proud to provide care for the Higginbotham and Rosser families and to see them grow and thrive into adulthood, creating their own beautiful families. She also sang with her husband, daughter, Teena, and other members in the gospel group, “Daystar.” She has now been reunited with her husband, and they are both singing and playing music around God’s throne, never to be separated again.
She genuinely loved all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Among them, she shared especially close bonds with Kylee (Angel Baby), Natalie (Nad), and Wyatt (Wy Wy), whose love and presence brought her deep comfort and joy – especially while watching her Hallmark movies or The Waltons.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Christian Life Church or a charity of your choice.
The family will receive friends at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Huddleston Church of God of Prophecy, 1022 Winona Lane, Lynch Station, Virginia, and a funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Wayne Murphy and Rev. Michael Turner officiating. Interment will follow in Huddleston Church of God of Prophecy Cemetery.
The family will also receive friends at all other times at the residence of Chris & Teena Pickeral, 1603 Avondale Drive, Altavista, Virginia, 24517.
Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.
