Irene Beckett Martin, 93, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on Thursday, April 4, 2024.
She was born in Newport News, VA on February 23, 1931, to the late Wallace Beckett and Ada Crewe.

Irene was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was educated in the Newport News Public School system and graduated from Huntington High School in 1950. Irene worked for years at White's Drugstore on Jefferson Ave followed by Smith's Pharmacy on Chestnut Ave. She worshipped at New Grafton Baptist Church and was a proud member of the Second Senior Choir.

She was affectionately known as "Sis" or "Aunt Sis" to family and friends as well as "Mama" and "Granny Mama" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Arthur Martin, Sr., her parents, as well as two sisters, Brazolia Taylor and Sandra Chavers.

Irene is survived by her son, Arthur Martin, Jr. of Newport News; a daughter, Denise Martin (Eddie) of Hampton; two granddaughters, Ebonie Griffin (Paul) of Hampton and Elissia Roberts (Richard) of Carrollton; four great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Marissa Griffin of Hampton and Xavier and Annika Roberts of Carrollton; five sisters, Velma Stubbs of Newport News, Messengeir Christian (Melvin) of New York, Carolyn Bandy of Newport News, Linda Spencer (Elmore) of New Jersey and Otelia Beckett of Newport News and one brother, Wallace Beckett of New Jersey as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful team at Riverside Hospice of Newport News. Our family is grateful for your loving care, kindness, and concern for and to our mother, grandmother, and sister during her transition home.

A funeral service will be held 12pm on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be from 3-6pm on Wednesday at the funeral home. O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.