Mary Martin was born in Gatewood/Calm, Missouri, the daughter of Lloyd Higgs and Sina Louella Miller Higgs on July 12, 1941, and departed this life on July 30, 2020 at Grove Integris Hospital in Grove, Oklahoma at the age of 79 years.
She was united in marriage to Donnie Ray Martin on October 6, 1960, who preceded her in death on July 28, 2016.
She is survived by two daughters, Deborah Madden of Grove, Oklahoma and Janey L. Thompson and husband, Mike of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Amanda Gain of Grove, Oklahoma, Jon Thompson and wife, Lindsay of Okinawa, Japan, Erin Winberry and husband, Kelby of Rogers, Arkansas, and Saren Demaree and husband, Derek of Dexter, Missouri; eight great grandchildren, Caden, Jackson and Jacob Gain, Xander and Cruz Thompson, Kelby “KJ” Winberry and Dallis and Declyn Demaree; one sister, Rose Johnson; one brother, Jim Higgs and wife, Vi; two brothers-in-law, Paul Martin and wife, Glenda and Mick Vaughn; one sister-in-law, Marylee Joslin; many nieces and nephews; other relatives; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donnie Ray Martin; her parents, Lloyd and Louella Higgs; and one sister, Betty McElroy.
Mary was a Christian and a member of the First Christian Church in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
After graduating from Thayer High School in 1959, Mary worked as a practical nurse at Thayer Nursing Home and was a clerk and pharmacist’s assistant at Palace Drug Store. Mary then spent time raising her family while running M & M Tackle Store with her husband in Thayer, Missouri for many years.
Mary was an avid reader, spending time at the tackle store reading. She liked to crochet and complete word search games. She also loved boating and camping and raising her dogs.
Most of all, Mary loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed watching them play sports and engage in other activities. She was their biggest supporter.
She will truly be missed by her family and all who knew her.
Graveside services for Mary Martin of Grove, Oklahoma, formerly of Thayer, Missouri, will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with Rick Martin officiating.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 2, 2020 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri.
Burial will be in Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.
August 1, 2020 @ 7:15 pm
My deepest sympathy for all her family. I had the great priviledge of growing up around Mary and I had the utmost respect and love for her and Donnie. They always treated me like one of their own. I will forever cherish those memories. Prayers for all.
August 2, 2020 @ 7:44 pm
Janey and Debbie and family I didn’t know about Mary passing. I am sorry for your loss but I know she is with Donnie Ray in Heaven. You all are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
August 3, 2020 @ 11:20 am
My Nana was one of a kind. I am going to miss her more than I will ever be able to put into words. Rest in love Nana, and I will see you again one day. I love you!
August 4, 2020 @ 10:34 am
Love and Prayers for the Family and Friends of this precious soul. I’m sure there was a Glorious reunion in Heaven.
August 5, 2020 @ 11:24 am
We are so sorry for your loss, we pray God will comfort you in the days ahead.
August 11, 2020 @ 4:56 pm
We will miss you Mary all the fun we in the past at the M&M tackle shop with you Doc will never be forgotten
Rick & Tilda