Mary Elizabeth Martel

Mary Elizabeth Gibson Martel ("Bebe"), 83, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital after a long illness.

Born on September 17, 1942, in Skylar, Virginia, Mary was the daughter of the late James E. Gibson and Annie M. Gibson. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Dorothy Gibson and Carol Ann Grier.

Bebe is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Richard "Dick" Martel; her devoted daughters, Annette Ireland and her husband, Jonathan, of Keller, Texas, and Suzanne Bryant and her husband, Hardy, of Roanoke, Virginia. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Joey Bryant and Bays Bryant, both of Roanoke, Virginia, and Cameron Ireland of Keller, Texas.

Mary graduated from Radford University in 1965 with a degree in Education. She taught elementary school for four years before dedicating herself to raising her family as a loving homemaker.

A woman of deep faith and compassion, Mary was an active member of Wytheville Presbyterian Church and later participated in Bible study at Salem Presbyterian Church. She faithfully served others through the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery Program, where she received numerous Patient Services Awards in recognition of her commitment to supporting breast cancer patients. She was also honored as a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow for her service to others.

Mary found great joy in reading, spending time with her grandsons, and cheering them on at their basketball and baseball games. She loved the Lord wholeheartedly and lived her faith through quiet acts of kindness, always reaching out to check on others, offering encouragement, and helping anyone in need. Her generous spirit, unwavering faith, and loving heart touched countless lives and will be remembered by all who knew her.

Mary's family finds comfort in knowing that she is now at peace in the presence of her Lord. Her legacy of faith, love, kindness, and service will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Salem Presbyterian Church, causes that were close to Mary's heart.