Martha Lee Obituary

Martha Minter Lee

August 16, 1934 - September 15, 2025

Martha Minter Lee passed away on Monday, September 15, 2025. She was born August 16, 1934, in Martinsville, VA, to the late Claude and Berenice Martin Minter. She was predeceased by her husband, Albert Joe Lee.

Upon graduation from high school, Martha pursued her education in English at Bluefield College in VA and Westhampton College of the University of Richmond. She then returned to Henry County, VA, and taught high school English at Drewry Mason, Fieldale High, and Fieldale-Collinsville High Schools. She received her Master of Arts degree from Virginia Tech and became Assistant Professor of English at Patrick and Henry Community College. Upon her retirement, she was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus of English. Martha had been a member of Starling Avenue Baptist Church and, most recently, became a member of Smith Memorial United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her son, Marshall Prillaman (Teresa); daughters, Lynn Prillaman Mabe (Jerone) and Denise Prillaman Phillips (Dan). Also, she is survived by grandchildren, Andy Mabe (Lindsey) and Baylee Atwood (Luke); four great-grandchildren, Nolan, Lainey, Elliot Jane, and Miles; sisters, Carole Doyle (Jimmy, deceased), and Merle Prince (Joe); and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Martha taught hundreds of students in Henry County. She had a knack for remembering most students and a little bit about each of them. Many students described her as the hardest teacher they ever had, but also the best. In one case, she taught three generations of the same family.

Martha loved her family and friends and was a woman of faith from a young age. She loved gardening, bird feeding/watching, collecting bookmarks, camping, reading, crossword puzzles, remodeling projects on her home, traveling, and her annual beach trip with her sisters. She lived a long, full life and lived independently in her home up until her sudden death.

She will be greatly missed as the matriarch of her family.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 21st, at Norris Funeral Chapel in Martinsville with Pastor Ryan Ware officiating. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service.

Norris Funeral Services Martinsville Chapel is serving the Lee family. Online Condolences can be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.

Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory

276-638-2778