The Beautiful Life and Legacy of Martha Jayne Shuler-Holmes Martha Jayne Snowden was born in 1939 in West Chester, Pennsylvania, to Corneilus Thorpe, Sr. and Viola F. Snowden. She was raised by Walter and Beatrice DeLoach and her beloved grandmother, Margaret Oxendine.

She was educated in the Coatesville Area School District, attended James Adams School, and graduated in 1958 from S. Horace Scott Senior High School, where she was a proud member of the Scott Singers. After high school, she attended cosmetology school and later became a certified nursing assistant at the VA Medical Center in Coatesville.

Though she built a career in healthcare, Martha never lost her touch as a cosmetologist… she could pin curl and roller set with the best of them!

Martha carried herself with quiet strength, integrity, and a deep sense of order. Yet she still knew how to have a good time. She liked to dance, shop at John Wanamaker, and enjoyed traveling to the Bahamas and historical sights, eating at her favorite restaurants like Captain George in Williamsburg.

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." Proverbs 31:28 In 1962, she married Frederick Shuler of South Coatesville, and together they made their home in Rock Run, raising four children. Despite the demands of working overnight shifts at the VA, Martha made sure her children were active in school, involved in the community, and most importantly, in church on Sunday mornings.

"Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing." Psalm 100:2 Martha was baptized at Tabernacle Baptist Church, where she began her lifelong music ministry, playing piano for the gospel choir. She later sang with the Wilson Specials and shared her musical gifts with several local congregations, including Bethel AME, Second Baptist, and Mt. Zion. Eventually, she became a cornerstone of the music ministry at Bernardtown Baptist Church, where she led the gospel choir known not just for their harmonies, but for the powerful connection they shared under her direction. Martha had a signature sound… when her fingers touched the keys, something special happened.

After 27 years of service at the VA, Martha retired but didn't stop working. She took on a new challenge at Graystone Academy Charter School in Coatesville. There, she worked closely with students who struggled behaviorally, encouraging them with a firm but loving presence that extended beyond the classroom. Her impact reached parents, teachers, and the broader school community.

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 Later in life, Martha joined Trinity United Bible Church in Coatesville, where she was ordained as a deaconess. She served faithfully as the church pianist and as president of the First Family Ministry, continuing her lifelong commitment to ministry, music, and service. After the passing of her beloved husband Freddie, she founded the Widows Support Ministry of Chester County, turning her own grief into purpose. She became certified in grief support and dedicated herself to walking alongside other women navigating the same profound loss.

Martha attended Immaculata College and West Chester University, where she majored in vocal music. In 2006, she earned her diploma in Biblical Studies from the Bethlehem School of the Bible. She was faithfully enrolled in The Triangle Bible Institute, where she maintained a 4.0 GPA. In recognition of her unwavering commitment to biblical education, she was awarded an honorary degree in Biblical Studies from the institute in Virginia. Martha continued her studies as long as she could, until her illness no longer permitted.

In May 2012, she married Pastor Stanley Hayes Holmes and joined his congregation, Bethany Baptist Church in Ruckersville, Virginia. Their marriage was a beautiful partnership, rooted in faith, ministry, and mutual devotion. Whether worshiping side by side, visiting the sick and shut-in, or spending time with friends and family, their union reflected steadfast love and commitment.

After relocating to Virginia, Martha worked for the Spotsylvania County School District as a school bus facilitator, assisting special needs students to get to and from school safely. She could be found making friends on her mall walks, volunteering at the Orange County food bank, and walking in marathons to benefit cancer research.

Martha always found a way to encourage you, whether it was through one of her beautiful handcrafted Jars of Inspiration, a handwritten card, phone call or text message. She was a powerful prayer intercessor and would answer the call for those in need when others wouldn't answer.

In 2016, under the spiritual leadership of her husband, Martha accepted the call to the Gospel Ministry and was licensed to preach The Word. She revived the women's ministry at Bethany and expanded their outreach efforts to those in need. She founded the Wayland Blue Ridge Minister and Deacon's Union grief support ministry. She also was a member of the Ministers' Wives and Widows of Wayland Blue Ridge.  Upon Pastor Holmes' retirement from Bethany, Martha fellowshipped for a short time with Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Fredericksburg, VA, and later joined her husband at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Lignum, VA, where she co-led the women's book club.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7-8 While in the company of her family, Martha was called home to be with the Lord on July 11, 2025.  In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her son, Dana Shuler; and siblings, Lola Chandler, Vance Thorpe, Arthur (Raymond) Thorpe, Richard Thorpe, Ronald (Tony) Thorpe, and Cornelius Thorpe.

"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13 Martha leaves a legacy of love to her children: Frederick H. Shuler, Jr. (Debora) of Coatesville; Minister Darien M. Shuler (Deaconess Michelle) of Philadelphia; Kyhisha S. Zebley (Jonathan) of Brookhaven; and Deacon Ronald Holmes of Locust Grove, Virginia—a beloved son through marriage. She is also survived by her cherished siblings: Jeanette Myers of New York; Barbara Ann DeLoach-Pugh (Cedric) of Virginia; and Barry DeLoach (Barbara) of Florida. Martha held a special place in her heart for her daughter-in-love always, Eunice Edny (Tyrone).

She deeply loved her 12 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her Mom-Mom and Mom-Momers. She also leaves behind a host of devoted nieces, nephews, and treasured friends across generations.

Like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, her spirit is now free to soar. Her legacy of grace will flutter in our hearts, reminding us of her profound impact. May she rest in peace.

Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Second Baptist Worship Center, 857 Lumber Street, Coatesville, PA. A viewing will be held from 8 AM until 9:45 AM.

Interment will be held in Rolling Green Memorial Park, West Chester, PA.

Family and friends may share condolences through the guestbook link on this memorial page. All are welcome to light a candle in her memory.

Condolences to be read should be faxed to 610-383-7523 or emailed to wrightfuneralsvs@aol.com by Friday, July 18, at 3 pm.

Flower arrangements may be delivered to the funeral home on the morning of the service. The flower theme colors are purple and lavender.