Betty Jean Martin Duvall

She was a devout Jehovah’s Witness. She enjoyed canasta, baking, card games, and beach vacations.

Betty was the youngest and last surviving of nine children which include: Ruth Belle Martin Butler, Lucy Kate “Katie” Martin Barton, Myrtle Lee Martin Woods, Robert Edward “Edward” Martin, Joseph Richard “Jim” Martin, Alice Lucille “Lucille” Martin, Harry Linwood Martin, and Bernice Mae Martin Lash. Betty was the daughter of Joseph Linwood Martin and Alice Jane Morris Martin of Louisa, Virginia. She was the granddaughter of Thomas Edward Martin and Elizabeth Rebecca Glass Martin of Louisa, Virginia and Joseph Henry Morris and Jane America "Kate" Wright Morris of Fluvanna, Virginia.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Ryan Duvall; son, Larry Allen Duvall; and son-in-law, Charles Brandon Taylor.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and spiritual sister, who shared her abundant, selfless love, energy, and guidance with all who knew her. Betty was married to Gene R. Duvall on December 24, 1948 and they raised five children together. They were married for 48 years. She was fondly known as “The Canasta Queen” and a fierce competitor when playing cards. Betty’s extraordinary talent for cooking and baking were legendary. She was blessed with an amazing group of dear ladies known as “The Golden Girls,” who shared a loving relationship over many decades that blessed her with much joy, support, and enduring friendship. They truly were a rare group of charismatic ladies with a strong and special bond. Her steadfast dedication to Jehovah motivated her to embrace the full-time ministry work as a Pioneer until the very end. Betty’s love, wisdom, guidance, and support will leave a huge void in the lives of her family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her children, Melodie D. Nichols (Jeffrey S. Nichols), Deborah J. Taylor-Duvall, Kimberly R. French (Steven M. French), Jeremy R. Pace; grandchildren, Ashley R. Taylor (Michael O. Walker), C. Brandon Taylor (Jordan M. Ortiz), Dellaney J. Taylor (Christopher R. Manna); and great grandchildren, Jayden A. Walker, Leila J. Walker.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 1, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond, VA 23231, where a funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 2, at 2 p.m.

Interment will be private.

Online condolences may be made at www.nelsenrichmond.com.