Martha Elizabeth (Nortonen) Stallings peacefully passed away at her home in Virginia Beach on Saturday, October 19, 2019. Martha was born in Massachusetts on November 10, 1930 to Ano W. and Hilda (Johnson) Nortonen. In 1948, she graduated as Salutatorian from Oceana High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia and married Arthur C. Stallings, Sr. in 1950.

Martha obtained her associates degree in Williamsburg, Virginia post high-school and worked for a short time in the City of Virginia Beach Treasurers’ office. She was proud to be a homemaker, devoting much of her life to raising two sons. Family was Martha’s joy and she was very happy to become a grandparent and, most recently, a great grandmother.

Born the tenth of eleven children of a proud Finnish family, Martha was predeceased in death by her parents, her husband, Arthur C. Stallings, Sr., her son, A. “Carey” Stallings, Jr., a grandson, David F. George, and all but one of her siblings.

Martha’s memory will be honored and cherished by her remaining sister, Mrs. Hilda N. Piedemonte, her son, John “Jay” Stallings; her daughter-in-law, Debbie Stallings (Carey’s wife); her four grandchildren, Sebastian E. Greenwood, Alexander G. Stallings (wife, Hannah; son Asher), Rejina S. Kaplan (husband, Jason; daughter Violet and son, Peter), and John M. Stallings, as well as by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She will be missed by many, including Reed Jeavons, her former neighbor and “other son.”

Martha and her husband Arthur were beloved members of the Virginia Beach community, first meeting at the oceanfront on a Halloween night many years ago, marrying, living at the Northend of Virginia Beach and then later moving to the Great Neck area. The story of their meeting was a family favorite, with Arthur often stating that he received only “treats” and no “tricks” on the night he met Martha. Over the years, her large, extended family (40 cousins!) often came together to socialize at the Stallings’ home. Martha was a dedicated Christian who aspired to setting an example of a leading a good Christian life and to witnessing to all who came into her life. A fierce “prayer warrior,” Martha prayed for others daily, even during her recent decline in health.

A visitation and service will be held from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at Altmeyer Funeral Home – Maestas Chapel, located at 1801 Baltic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Pastor Fred Watkins, a longtime family friend and Christian brother of Martha and Arthur Stallings, will officiate the service. Following the visitation and service, light dinner selections will be served at the funeral home during a time for fellowship.

The family wishes to thank all of the caregivers who surrounded Martha with love and support to the end. Continuing the tradition of Arthur and Martha Stallings’ support for the community, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad HERE.