Martha Lavion Soo (77)

Martha Lavion Soo (Bailey), beloved wife, mother, military spouse and teacher of Burke, VA passed away Monday, November 10, 2025. She will truly be missed by many.

Martha was born on December 24, 1947, in Stuttgart, Arkansas to John and Lottie Bailey, joining brother Doyle, and sisters Margaret and Glenda.

She graduated from El Dorado High School El Dorado Arkansas then earned a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Southern Arkansas University Magnolia Arkansas. She started her teaching career at the Ft Huachuca Arizona Elementary School teaching 3rd grade. There, she visited the Grand Canyon and earned a Master’s in Education from University of Arizona. She then joined the Department of Defense Dependent School System Elementary School in Izmir Turkey, taught 3rd grade, enjoyed visiting archeological sites in Greece and Turkey and met her future husband, Houng Soo, She then transferred to the DoD School System in Karlsruhe Germany as a 3rd grade teacher, enjoyed travelling in Europe. In 1977, she married Colonel (then Captain) Houng Soo, U.S. Army Retired and joined him in their Service to our Nation as a United States Army Spouse.

She was an extraordinary mother, homemaker, and Army wife. She un-selflessly helped Leslie navigate growing up, progress as a Girl Scout, earn a Masters in Business Administration degree and starting a family of her own. Simultaneously she supported Houng, as an Army spouse, relocating 9 times, and helping him take care of soldiers and their families in stateside and overseas assignments.

Lavion settled in Burke upon retirement from the Army, and became a contributing member of the Burke community.

Lavion had an impact on all she interacted with. She was inspirational, adventurous, kind, loving, full of life. She lived her life to the fullest. She adapted to the impact of Alzheimer’s with grace. Her greatest joys were being a Mother to Leslie and Den Mother for two Girl Scout Troops.

She is survived by her loving husband Houng, daughter Leslie (Soo) LeMaire, son-in-law Kevin LeMaire of Fredericksburg VA, sister Margret (Bailey) Campbell of El Dorado AR, sister-in laws, Lily Soo of New Hyde Park, NY and Lorraine (Soo) Tong and her husband Vinny Tong of Staten Island NY, and sister-in-law Susan Bailey of St. Louis MO.

She was preceded in death by her parents John and Lottie Bailey, brother Doyle, and sister Glenda.

Friends and family will be received at Jefferson Funeral Chapel, 5755 Castlewellan Dr. Alexandria VA 22315, Saturday 22 November 2025 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Interment at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, is scheduled for April 1st, with Jefferson Funeral Chapel, Alexandria, VA (703-971-74000) handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Alzheimer's Foundation of America or a charity of your choice. Please view and sign the family guestbook at www.jeffersonfuneralchapel.com.

In Loving Memory of Martha Lavion Soo