We mournfully announce the passing of Martha Christie “Cricket” Call on Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, at age 87 while at her home on Gwynn’s Island, Virginia. Cricket was born on Feb. 10, 1934 to Dr. Manfred Call III and Mary Miller Call in Richmond, Va. Along with her sister, Mary, and brother, Manfred, she was raised on their family farm in Chesterfield County, Va.

After graduating from Midlothian High School as class valedictorian in 1953, Cricket went on to receive a B.S. degree at Skidmore College in 1956. After graduating, she became a health and fitness teacher, coach and counselor. Upon retiring from McLean High School in Fairfax, Va., she moved to Gwynn’s Island, where she was active in many organizations and charities that benefitted the community, children and animals.

Her heartfelt love, positivity, generosity, fun-loving spirit, patience and willingness to listen are but a handful of things that made Cricket such a wonderful person. She deeply cared for and touched the lives of so many people. She was very close to her sister Mary and was like a second mother to many of her nieces and nephews. She was also a devoted friend to many and mentored countless young people.

Cricket enjoyed photography, fishing and boating on the Bay and spending time with family, friends, locals and visitors. She was also very passionate about sports. As a pitcher and team captain, Cricket was deeply involved in softball and was inducted into the Greater Washington Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame in 1985. After moving to Gwynn’s Island, Cricket enjoyed playing golf with friends, going to local ball games and watching sports on television.
Cricket was predeceased by her parents; sister-in-law, Barbara Call; brother-in-law, John Tobin, and best friend, Marilyn “Lindy” Hatch. She is survived by her sister, Mary Tobin; brother, Manfred Call, and many loved nieces, nephews and friends.

There are no immediate plans for a celebration of life, but pending plans are to include a memorial or recognition at the June 2022 Gwynn’s Island Festival, of which she was a longtime organizer. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, Boys & Girls Club, Mathews Community Foundation, Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society or a charity of your choice. Faulkner Funeral Homes, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews, Virginia, is assisting the family.