To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, a time to serve, a time to love, and a time to die.

A time to be born: Martha Lee Whitlow was born on November 6, 1952, in Fremont, Ohio. A time to serve: Marty touched an enormous range of people in her life and the manner in which she faced the tremendous challenges related to her "journey" was truly inspirational. She improved the lives of countless children and families in her 34 years of teaching in the Albemarle County School system.

There was no cause for Marty more important during the past 5 years than expanding research and treatment options for women affected by ovarian cancer. In 2013 a critical ovarian cancer research project led by Dr. Amir Jazaeri, of the University of Virginia Cancer Center, was named "The Marty Project" in recognition of these efforts. Also, The Marty Whitlow Ovarian Cancer Research Fund was endowed the same year by the UVA Cancer Center, which ensures that Marty's dedication to this cause will be recognized for generations to come and will serve as part of her legacy in our home community. Simply put, Marty was an incredibly compassionate person who spent her life always giving to others.

A time to love: Marty leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved husband of 37 years John Whitlow, her son Kyle Whitlow and grandson Oliver, her daughter Kara Whitlow and her husband Adam Critchfield. Her sisters Lynn Davis and Susan Neuhauser; and brother, Bill Abbott; a multitude of adoring nieces and nephews, Jason Abbott, Jodi and Whitney Neuhauser, Tim and Cassidy Abbott, Raleigh Davis, Ryan Whitlow, Suzanne McLaughlin and her husband Alex, Caroline Whitlow and Sam Whitlow; brothers-in-law, Myron Neuhauser, Randy Davis Jr., Dan King, Scott Whitlow and Detlef Whitlow Jr; sisters-in-laws Lucy Whitlow, Lynda King and Lesa Whitlow; special friends Terry and Dennis Creamer, Patrick Sears, Marjorie Herring, and Mary Jane and Roger Boyd.

A special thank you to all of those who supported the efforts of the Marty Whitlow Ovarian Cancer Research Fund under the leadership of Team Teal.

A time to die: Our beloved Marty began her journey of eternal life on Monday, September 22, 2014, while visiting the Outer Banks. She was able to view her favorite beach one last time prior to her passing.

Waiting for her with open arms is her beloved mother, Grandma Jean Abbott. Marty was also preceded in death by her brothers, Timothy Robert Alan Abbott and James Clark Abbott; and in-laws, Detlef and Doris Whitlow.

The family wishes to express their profound appreciation to the Dr. Amir Jazaeri , Dr. Leigh Cantrell, Jana Briedis-ruiz, Paula Rowan-Page and the staff at the University of Virginia Emily Couric Cancer Center. We also wish to thank all the staff of the Hospice of the Piedmont for their loving care, concern and support.

The family will receive guests on Friday, October 3, 2014, from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. at Hill and Wood Funeral Home, 201 N 1st Street, Charlottesville, Virginia. A celebration of Marty's life will be held Saturday, October 4, 2014, 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 500 Park Street, Charlottesville, Virginia, followed by a reception in the church fellowship hall. The family has asked for those attending the Celebration of Life to wear the color teal in support of Ovarian Cancer Research.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Marty Whitlow Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. To make a tax-deductible gift, make check payable to "Marty Whitlow Fund" and send to UVA Health Foundation, P.O. Box 800773, Charlottesville, VA 22908.

Submitted by Trinkle Jones.