Shari Antonia Martz

Shari was born on January 22, 1947 in Washington, D.C. to Edsel Martz and Ruth (Malfeo) Martz. She had one brother, her Irish twin, Michael Bryan Martz. She was raised and educated in Arlington, VA, attended Marymount University, and received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of South Carolina. She then received her graduate degree from the University of Virginia. She taught elementary education in Virginia Beach and Arlington for 44 years before retiring.

Shari was known throughout her life for her strong Christian faith. She shared her love of Christ through her service teaching 4th, 5th, and 6th grade Sunday school, volunteering with Operation Christmas Child, and her outreach work. Shari volunteered with several outreach ministries including Union Missions and Outreach for Christ in Norfolk. While in Norfolk, Shari served as a chaplain to women at the jail, extending Christ’s love to the women by leading Bible studies. Shari also participated in mission work, leading her to minister in Russia and Belarus with Pathway Ministries and to participate in campus ministry with Campus Crusade for Christ. Her favorite Bible verse was Psalm 118:24, which reads, “This is the day the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Shari was a dedicated daughter, devoting over a decade of her own life to minister to the needs of her ailing father and, in turn, to her mother. Her service will be cherished by her niece and nephew and their children alike as an example of sacrificial love. She will be buried at her beloved Cherrydale Baptist Church whose members were of unspeakable encouragement and help during her illness. Expressing her affections, Shari’s urn will be inscribed with “Jesus Saves” and an image of a St. Bernard dog.

Shari was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her brother, Michael Martz of Brandon, MS; her nephew, Reed Martz et uxor Dee Dee, and their five children - Gabriel, Margaret, Jonathan, Anna, and Claire - of Lookout Mtn., TN; and her niece, Bailey Petty et vir Dean, and their two children - Lizzie and Laurel - of Germantown, TN.

In lieu of flowers, Shari requested that any memorial gifts be sent to Cherrydale Baptist Church for use in the Benevolent Fund, Missions Fund, and/or Scholarships for Camp Kids Place.