Martha Jane Byrd Cline
Martha Jane Byrd Cline passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026. Martha was born on January 21, 1936 in Dayton (Rockingham County), Virginia. She was the youngest of five children of Claude and Bernice Gaither Byrd.
Martha enjoyed an idyllic childhood in Dayton, living in the white house on the hill with her parents and four brothers. Martha graduated from Dayton High School where she was active in sports and afterward received a degree in business from Madison College. She met her future husband, Stanley Talmadge Cline of Mount Clinton, Virginia and they married at Dayton Methodist Church on May 26, 1956. Martha and Stanley shared 62 years together until Stan's passing in 2018.
Martha was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was an exceptional and caring homemaker, moving the family multiple times in support of Stan's career with Exxon Corporation. Her family especially treasures memories of the home gatherings and wonderful feasts she prepared for birthdays and holidays. Martha was an avid tennis player for most of her adult life, playing at Oakwood Country Club in Lynchburg and area tournaments. In addition to tennis, Martha loved to host bridge and enjoy time with a wide circle of friends.
Throughout her life, Martha was known for her kind, fun-loving and generous nature, her determination and strength, and, above all, her selfless love and care of her family.
Martha is survived by 3 children: Michael Byrd Cline and wife Claire of Crozet, Barbara Cline Kelly and husband Harold of Richmond, and Deborah Cline Ballagh and husband Michael of Rustburg; 4 grandchildren: Holly Cline and husband Ben of Glen Allen; Ben Bergin of Philadelphia; and Michael and Luke Ballagh of Rustburg; 2 great grandchildren: Josephine Ivy Cline and Owen Stanley Cline of Glen Allen; also in-laws Flora Belle Byrd, Eloise Byrd, Carolyn Cline, and Frank and Anna Lee Cline; and nieces and nephews of the Byrd and Cline families. In addition to her husband and parents, Martha was preceded in death by her four siblings: Harry, Edward, Richard, and Thomas.
A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 1:30pm at Johnson Funeral & Cremation Service, 208 South Main Street in Bridgewater. A Graveside Service will follow at Dayton Cemetery, Dayton Virginia. A reception for friends and family will be held at Bridgewater Retirement Community after these services.
With gratitude, the family thanks the staff at Westminster Canterbury Lynchburg, with a special thank you to the nursing and physical therapy teams on 6th Floor Hearthside for their daily devotion and care to our dear mother. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Employee Education Fund at Westminster Canterbury Lynchburg, 501 VES Road, Lynchburg, VA 24503.
Online condolences may be made to the family at office@johnsonfs.com.
