Martha Belle Cale Aker of Wytheville, VA died peacefully on November 22, 2022 at the age of 85 at Carrington Place in Wytheville, Virginia.

She was born June 2, 1937, at Quantico, VA, the only daughter of the late Rev. (UM) Fieldon Mizelle Cale and Martha Laura Viola Goodman Cale. She was a granddaughter of the late Fields Mack Cale and Elizabeth Belle Jennings Cale of Smyth Co., VA and the late Richard Henderson Goodman and Martha Jane Poole Goodman of Meadowview, VA. She was also preceded in death by her dear husband, Robert Ford Aker, his parents, Edgar Lee Aker and Lottie Archer Aker; two special sisters-in-law, Christine Aker Mabe and Juanita Aker Umberger and three brothers-in-law, George E. Aker, Donald M. Umberger, and Harry E. Mabe; all of her paternal and maternal aunts and uncles, and several cousins.

She was a graduate of Greendale High School, Washington Co., VA (class of 1954 - who have always held a special place in her heart), attended Emory & Henry College, and enjoyed a 45-year career as an executive secretary/administrative assistant, retiring from Textron Fastening Systems in Wytheville after 38 years of service. She was also employed at Martha Washington Inn, Abingdon, VA, Plumbium Manufacturing Co., Bristol, TN, and Air Reduction Company, Ivanhoe, VA.

She was a member of West End United Methodist Church in Wytheville for over 50 years, having served as church secretary, secretary of administrative council, Sunday School teacher and superintendent, Bible School teacher, youth counselor, liturgist, and chair or member of several committees. She participated in the ACS "Relay for Life" for ten years, was secretary of the George Wythe Band Boosters for five years, and served as recording secretary for the Wythe County Community Hospital Board of Directors during its planning and construction.

She is survived by her beloved son and daughter-in-law, Gregory Fieldon and Margaret (Peggy) Sturgis Aker of Charlotte, NC and her cherished grandchildren, Brooks Fieldon Aker and his wife Kenna Brooke Aker of Charlotte, NC and Elizabeth Aker Bianco and her husband Samuel Thomas Bianco of Christiansburg, VA (Go Hokies!); her only brother and sister-in-law (and wonderful friends), Robert Fieldon and Patricia Semones Cale of Wytheville and their children, John Heath Cale and Mark Fieldon Cale of Wytheville, and Melissa Cale Krinos, her husband, Dimitri, and their five children of Tampa, FL, a sister-in-law, Shirley G. Aker of Speedwell; three other nephews, several great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins, as well as special good friends Janice Alford, Barbara Goins and Mary Johnson of Wytheville, the other two "Musketeers," Phyllis C. Ashworth of Wytheville and Lynne K. Bishop of Roanoke, VA, and other friends who were a special part of her life and a special caregiver Jeff Nichols.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 2:00pm at the Barnett Funeral Home chapel with interment to follow at West End Cemetery, conducted by The Rev. Dr. Janet K. Sweet and the Rev. Natalie Drummond. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Asbury Class memorial (attention: Pat Cale) at West End United Methodist Church, POB 867, Wytheville, VA 24382 or the Agape Food Pantry. The family will receive friends and celebrate Martha's life at West End United Methodist Church following interment.