“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7

SUFFOLK — Martha MaryLee Goodman Ralph departed this life on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018, at 7:15 p.m., in Sentara Obici Hospital, Suffolk, Virginia.

She was born on July 4, 1933, to the late Chester A. and Esther Goodman. She was a loving daughter and a native of Gates County, North Carolina, where she was educated.

She was united in holy matrimony to the late Winford Ralph, and to this union three children were born.

She accepted Christ at an early age and joined New Middle Swamp Missionary Baptist Church, where she served for many years as secretary to the Senior Usher Board, as president to the Youth Usher Board and a member of the Missionary Circle.

Martha was a kind and gentle soul. She loved the Lord and would let you know it too. She also loved her church and church family very much.

She leaves to cherish her memories three children, Winfred (Joyce) Ralph Jr. of Franklin, Virginia; Minnie Ralph of Hempstead, New York; and Willie Joe Charles Ralph of Suffolk; two sisters, Laura Branch of Rocky Mount, North Carolina; and Mollie Goodman of Old Saybrooke, Connecticut: three grandchildren, Reginald “Reggie” Maurice Ralph, Antonio “Duke” Ralph and Shayna “Danyelle” Carrington; and seven great-grandchildren, along with nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.

The viewing will be from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 21, in the T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home, 405 Johnson Ave., Suffolk.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 22, in New Middle Swamp Missionary Baptist Church, 790 Middle Swamp Road, Corapeake, North Carolina. The Rev. Dr. Claude Odom, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.