Obituary of Roberta Evelyn Martin

Roberta Evelyn Martin was born in Alice Texas on June 10^th, 1933.  At the age of 86, she entered Heaven on Thursday, October 3, 2019, passing at her home of over 50 years in La Porte, Texas.  She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years James Walter Martin; her parents Robert and Rhoda Hayden; and sister, Ruth Hayden. 

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, James (Jay) Walter Martin Jr. and wife, Gail; John Charles Martin and wife, Michelle; daughters, Patricia Martin and spouse, Nancy Adelsheim; Monette Birch and husband, Jim; brothers, Rodney Hayden, Robert Hayden, and Richard Hayden; sister, Ruby Sanders; grandchildren, Jeffrey and Cindy Martin, Patrick and Shelby Martin, Joshua and Jennifer Martin, Bonnie and Desmond Wick, Joseph Birch, Travis and Sarah Martin; great grandchildren, Benjamin and Jonah Martin and Brooke Brunson; and a host of other family and dear friends.

Roberta had a great love and devotion for her beloved husband Jim and to her family.  Her love for her Lord, Jesus Christ was exhibited through her love for others.   Roberta had the most wonderful gift of hospitality.  Her home was always open to anyone who needed a place to stay or a meal.  When we were growing up, someone always seemed to show up at dinner time, so Mom would set up extra plates at the table just in case.  Roberta never met a stranger.  Once you met her, you became her friend.  She and Pawpaw never missed a daily devotional and prayed for all her children and grandchildren every morning no matter what.  She introduced her daughters to “Women of Faith” in Dallas.  Roberta was actively involved in the Emmaus Community and in UM Army camps.  She was a Sunday School Teacher for as long as anyone could remember, teaching both young and old over the years.  Roberta loved spending time with her family, both kids and grandkids.   Whether it was fishing lessons, annual trips to Port Aransas every summer or camping trips to Garner State Park, she taught our family the importance of family gatherings.  Roberta enjoyed baking and cooking and her expertise was especially exemplified as she had Christmas cookie parties for all the family. Roberta will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her, including the many who worked with her for 25 years at La Porte ISD.

The family wishes to express sincere thanks to all who were caregivers to our precious Mom and Gran.  For those who wish to make a donation in memory of Roberta Martin, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the First United Methodist Church of La Porte, Texas, 9601 W Fairmont Parkway, or the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org/texas.

The Visitation for Roberta will be held Wednesday, October 9, 2019 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Clayton Funeral Home, 201 South 3^rd Street, La Porte, Texas 77571.  The funeral service will take place Thursday, October 10, 2019 at 10:00 am at First United Methodist Church, 9601 W. Fairmont Pkwy., La Porte, Texas 77571 with Rev. Dr. Kevin T. Gilmore officiating, reception following.  Interment will follow at Houston National Cemetery in Houston, Texas.