Mabel Virginia Martin

Longtime Riverhead resident Mabel Virginia Harris Martin died Sept. 18. She was 90. 

Ms. Martin was born March 9, 1924, in Jamesport to Fred and Margaret Harris. She joined First Baptist Church of Riverhead as a young woman and loved attending church, singing in the choir and worked with the Willing Workers.  She married Clarence Brigmon in 1945, and after his death, married Simmie Martin in 1972.

Family members said Ms. Martin loved to cook for family and friends, and also cooked for migrant workers for 15 years. She also spent five years caring for foster children and was always visiting the sick and caring for the needy. Family members also said she loved traveling, particularly to visit her sister in California and with her “road dog,” Arlene to Las Vegas. She was remembered by family as being a strong, thoughtful and loving person.

Ms. Martin was predeceased by her first and second husbands; and her brothers, Clarence, Russell, Hollis, Fred and George. She is survived by her daughter, Wanda Mae Brigmon-Ortiz; her sisters Blanch Harris of Diamond Bar, Calif. and Mary Harris Leggs of Laurleton, Queens; two grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many other family and friends.

Services were held Sept. 24 at First Baptist Church of Riverhead, with Pastor Charles A. Coverdale officiating. Interment took place at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Farmingdale.

Arrangements were handled by Seay Memorial Chapel in Riverhead.