Martha Black Strader

Martha Black Strader, 99, lifelong native of Lynchburg died early Saturday, September 20, 2025 with her daughters by her side in her residence at Westminster Canterbury. Prior to moving to Westminster Canterbury in 2010, Martha and her husband lived for 50+ years on Trents Ferry Road.

Throughout her long and vibrant life, Martha was a regional model, often featured in area fashion shows and publications. In midlife, she opened a flower business, Flowers Unlimited, specializing in weddings and celebrations. She was an avid tennis player at Boonsboro Country Club, an active member of First Presbyterian Church, and a member of the Women’s Club of Lynchburg and the Oakwood Garden Club. She enjoyed staying active as a competitive bridge player, adorning Westminster Canterbury with floral arrangements, and performing in WC variety shows.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Philip Leighton Strader, her parents Martha Berry Black and William Truxton Black of Lynchburg, daughter Catherine Strader McGehee of Lynchburg, sister Edith Black Early of Lancaster, PA, brother William Henry Black of Grayson, GA and great grandson Simon Strader McGehee of Charlottesville. It is worth noting that her sister, Maryjane Black Hobbs of Lynchburg, also born in 1925, passed away the same day on September 20, 2025.

Martha is survived by two daughters, Sarah Garland Strader (William Mailloux) of Culebra, PR, and Jeanne Strader Davis (Roger Davis) of Cape Charles, VA; son in law Cleve McGehee (Barbara Lichford McGehee) of Lynchburg; and grandchildren Lauren Bagden-McGehee (Alex Bagden), Allison McGehee Burger (Martin Burger), Michele Milam-Ratliff (Jason Ratliff), Harrison McGehee (Tara Wright McGehee), Jacqueline Milam Anderson (Kevin Anderson), Layton Schaeffer Bodkins (Chris Bodkins) and Ted Schaeffer. Martha was loved by 5 nieces, 7 nephews and 11 great grandchildren. The family also acknowledges Martha’s surviving dear friend and late in life companion John Pelissier of Westminster Canterbury.

When frequently asked the secret to such a long life, Martha would reply: “stay active”, “live in gratitude”, “trust in God” and “be kind”. Her request was that memorial gifts be given to Westminster Canterbury Employee Fund, 501 VES Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24503 or Greater Lynchburg Habitat for Humanity, 360 Alleghany Ave, Lynchburg, VA 24501.

The first of two services will be held in the Westminster Canterbury Chapel on October 8 at 10:30 am with a reception to follow in the Hume Room. Family will gather to celebrate her 100th birthday posthumously on November 29 at a time and location to be determined.

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.