Priscilla Martin

It is with sad and heavy hearts that the family of Priscilla Martin must announce her passing at the age of 95. We are comforted that she is free from pain and resting comfortably with her Lord and Savior. She died peacefully in her sleep at her daughter's home in Kerrville.\r\n\r\nShe was preceded in death by her husband Charlie R. Martin and by her daughter Linda Fay Martin. She was also preceded by her brothers Lee Roy, Lester, Cleo, Deo, Raymond, Doyle, and her sisters Dorothy Christenberry and Drucilla (Mary) Christenberry Snider. \r\n\r\nShe is survived by her daughter Glenda (Martin) Gruetzner & Allen Gruetzner of Kerrville, Texas, her daughter Karla (Martin) Cox and Lewis Trietsch of Sanger, Texas and her son Pepper Martin of Harlingen, Texas; and her grandchildren John Allen Gruetzner; Sarah Beth Gruetzner; Cristy Richey; Alicia Baker & husband Chris Baker; Heather Croes & husband Steve Croes; and Lea Cox & husband Gilbert Rwamwitani; and also her great grandchildren Cristen Richey, Taylor Ellington, Kendall Ellington, Corban Croes and Terence Rwamwitani.\r\n\r\nShe is survived by her only remaining sibling, Jessie Bell Wantiez. She loved visiting with her sister Jessie Bell and family in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. She is survived by nieces and nephews and friends.\r\n\r\nShe was born in Kusa, Oklahoma to Josie Bell and Clarence F. Christenberry. She had 9 siblings and was raised on their farm picking cotton, churning butter, and other chores. She most enjoyed helping her mother inside the home, even ironing pillow cases. After graduating high school, she moved to California where she worked as a ship welder in the naval shipyards in the 1940's during WWII.\r\n\r\nShe married our Dad, Charlie R. Martin on 9-10-1950 in Long Beach, California while he was in the Air Force. They moved to Houston before he served in Korea, and then he became a Houston Police Officer and Firefighter. Mom was happy and stayed busy raising four children and later helped with her precious grandchildren. She was a loyal and dedicated wife, loving mother, homemaker, expert seamstress who enjoyed sewing and yard work. She loved visiting relatives, but would return to her home of 68 years where she could be independent and most comfortable. \r\n\r\nHer family describes her as compassionate, caring, loving, thoughtful, generous, happy, virtuous, gentle, peacemaker, pure heart and soul, patient, humble and kind, and she always put others before herself. Her family said she was their inspiration, their rock, and the superglue that held the family together. Although she had a quiet, shy personality, she was always honest and would speak her mind. We think she coined the phrase "leave difficult things in your past behind you and don't let them affect your future happiness". She told this to many people throughout her life. She was a positive person and never allowed life's struggles or circumstances get her down. She was sharp minded, wise, strong, determined, and taught us so much.\r\n\r\nKindness came naturally, and we believe this is due to her quiet, yet powerful faith. Galatians 5:22-23 says that "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control". These words describe Mom throughout her lifetime; evident of her Christ-like spirit. She lived by the "Golden Rule of treating others as one would wish to be treated" and to "love your neighbor as yourself". When her children were younger, she didn't drive but later enjoyed driving neighborhood children to and from school so they did not have to walk.\r\n\r\nMom loved her family with all her heart and soul! She loved her children but her grandchildren and later great grandchildren stole her heart! They were very precious to her and made her smile and brought her so much joy, and she loved it when they would visit and spend time with her. For years, she enjoyed reading to her grandchildren.\r\n\r\nLater in life she enjoyed reading and read many books including the Bible, devotionals, Guidepost and other magazines, various books by Billy Graham, Joel and Victoria Osteen, Joyce Meyers and also funny books by Erma Bombeck and other comedians that made her laugh. She loved completing nature and bird puzzles, and we often would frame them for her.\r\n\r\nShe was in fairly good health and very independent until she turned 95. She moved to Kerrville to live with her daughter and son-in-law in January 2018, following hip replacement surgery and when her health worsened. She enjoyed visits from family members. She enjoyed sitting on the porch, relaxing and watching the deer, squirrels, red cardinals and other wildlife. She enjoyed seeing hummingbirds around the feeders. She enjoyed watching the "Planet Earth" series with her grandson and movies with her granddaughter on Netflix. Her great grand dog, Prim, was her therapy dog, slowly walking beside her wheelchair every morning and evening, hardly leaving her side, especially near the end.\r\n\r\nHer family will miss her dearly but will cherish fond memories of her forever. She was a treasure! She leaves behind a legacy of love that we will pass on. A private family service will be held at the Houston National Cemetery in the near future, where she will be buried next to her husband. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in her memory.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n