Martha Abel

Born in Panama on January 15, 1940, Martha dedicated much of her life to caring for others. She worked in the food industry in various capacities, but her greatest joy came from working in school cafeterias. There, she not only prepared meals but also kept a watchful eye on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, becoming a beloved grandmother figure to many.

Martha was a woman of deep faith. She was raised in the Catholic Church and later found spiritual fulfillment in the Baptist faith. Her love for the Lord guided her throughout her life and provided strength during difficult times.

A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Martha's greatest priority was family. She worked tirelessly to provide for her children and instilled in them the importance of strong family bonds. She believed deeply in forgiveness and unity, encouraging those she loved to cherish and strengthen their relationships with one another.

Martha had a passion for bingo and never passed up an opportunity to play. She also had a talent for cake decorating, blessing family and friends with beautifully crafted confections. Her love for animals was evident, especially in her affection for Prissy.

She is survived by her sons: John Dugger (Liz), James Dugger (Jody), Joseph Dugger (Karen), and Jeffrey Jensen (Ruth); daughters: Judith Kish, Johanna Mahoney (Sean), and Janie Winborne (Chip); stepdaughters: Helen Tressle and Eva Butler; brother Virgil Dolby; sisters Alba Brooks (Jimmy) and Norma Fielding (John); as well as 14 grandsons and grandsons-in-law, 13 granddaughters and granddaughters-in-law, 15 great-grandsons, 10 great-granddaughters, two great-great-grandsons, one great-great-granddaughter, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lawrence Sr. and Maria Dolby; siblings Gloria Walls (Buddy) and Lawrence Dolby Jr.; Sister-in-law Gwen Dolby; nieces Maria Dolby and Pamela Brooks; grandsons Johnathon Kish and Roman Bevis; as well as a newborn daughter who remained close to her heart always.

A graveside service will be held on March 15, 2025, at Stonewall Memory Gardens, 12004 Lee Highway, Manassas, Virginia 20109, beginning at 12:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Spring of Tampa Bay in Martha’s honor.

Martha’s legacy of love and resilience will live on through the many lives she touched. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.