Martha Alice Speaks Bugg

The Obituary Martha Alice Speaks Bugg Martha Alice Speaks Bugg, the second oldest of seven children of the late Nolan and Margaret Speaks, was born on May 9, 1915, in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, where she was raised under the loving influence of her parents. On June 2, 2013, she peacefully answered God's call at the age of 98 while at her home in Washington, D.C. She received her childhood education in the Mecklenburg County public school system in LaCrosse, Virginia. As a youth she joined Saint Mary's Episcopal Church in South Hill, Virginia, which is now Trinity Episcopal Church, and has been a life-long member. In 1935, she married Dorsey L. Bugg, and this loving union lasted 56 years until his transition to heaven. In 1936, Martha and Dorsey moved from LaCrosse to Washington, D.C. She worked in the Federal government for over 20 years, retiring from the U.S. Library of Congress in 1975. She received several awards for faithful service. She also earned credentials as a Licensed Practical Nurse, food caterer and nanny. As an entrepreneurial caterer, she teamed with the Mary Chase catering service for several years. She also had a passion for nurturing children and worked as a nanny for the Margarete Stevens' family for 65 years, retiring at age 90. She had an extraordinary love and commitment to her family - in her opinion, her children, nieces and nephews were all "the best," and she gave lovingly of her time, talents, resources, and wisdom. She was called "Aunt Alice" by her nieces and nephews, all of whom loved her dearly. She enjoyed sewing, gardening and cooking for family - everyone loved her cooking. At her 97th birthday party, she eloquently shared some words of wisdom with over 60 family members and friends who travelled from all over the country - she really enjoyed her day and concluded by saying "We need to have another party like this." She was predeceased by all of her siblings: Jesse Speaks, Minnie Young, Margaret Brown, Mary Ethel Byrd, William Speaks, and Mamie Young. She had a daughter, Michelle "Toni" Bugg, who also preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish her memories, two sons, John T. Bugg (Linda) and Leon E. Bugg, and one daughter, Joan D. Andrews. She also has many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends who will always remember her with deep love and the greatest respect.

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Martha Alice Speaks Bugg

May 9, 1915 - June 2, 2013