Judy Kay Martin

Judy Kay Martin, a loving wife and mother, passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the age of 82. Born in Petersburg, Virginia, on May 30, 1941, she was the daughter of the late William Gordon Mason and Mary Bowling Unger. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving and special stepfather, Raymond B. Unger, Sr., and her stepbrother, Larry Joe Unger .  Judy was an amazing person that suffered from a very rare eye disease that took her sight as a young girl. As a student of Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind, this education combined with her strength and determination, allowed her to prosper throughout her lifetime in her employment and family. Upon reestablishing her life and sons in Virginia, she worked for Petersburg Police as a dispatcher. Later, Judy found her calling and was employed with Southside Sheltered Workshop for many years, mentoring and teaching the physically and mentally challenged with the skills they needed to live productive lives. She received many accolades and awards during her career with the Southside Shelter Workshop. Upon her retirement, she enjoyed her time spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family. Judy leaves behind her loving husband of 50 years, Don N. Martin, Sr.; sons, John Hobson, Jr. (Pam), James Hobson, and Don N. Martin, Jr. (Robin); sister, Peggy Higgins (Kenneth); brother, Raymond B. Unger, Jr. (Cliff); five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins, extended family members, and close friends. The family offers their gratitude to all that extended their loving care and deeds for her and the family in Judy’s final days. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Monday, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, 2901 W Hundred Road, Chester, Virginia 23831. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Judy’s honor to the Virginia School of the Deaf and Blind Foundation, PO Box 2069 Staunton, Virginia 24402.