Martha Williams

After earning her Bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University, Martha married Frank H. Williams, Jr. on November 28, 1958 in San Antonio. They were married for 42 years until his passing in 2001. They met on a blind date, orchestrated by Frank’s older sister, Bette Cook. Martha and Frank lived in San Antonio until 1991, moved to Houston for several years, and finally settled in Arlington TX. Martha moved to Plano last year to be closer to her family.

She is survived by her sister Loraine and husband Charles Burton of Decatur, TX, her daughter, Lindsey Roan and husband Jimmie Roan of Cibolo, TX, and her daughter Hollyn Williams and husband Sean Stansell of Prosper, TX.

She is also survived by grandchildren, Evaleen Chalkley, Thomas Chalkley, and Suzelle Roan, great grandchild, Karsen Chalkey, nieces Marjorie Hutcheson and Nancy Cook-Monroe, nephews Frank Cook, Wade Burton, and Chris Burton along with many other family members stretching across the nation and the world.

During their marriage, Martha and Frank were patrons of the symphony orchestra and many museums. Even after moving to Plano, Martha continued to be a member of the Kimbell Art Museum and The Modern in Fort Worth. She also continued to be a supporting member of the Fort Worth Symphony and the Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth. After Frank died, Martha continued attending the symphony with friends from her community and ultimately with a close-knit group of women she lovingly dubbed her “Pew Pals”.

Martha was a teacher in the late 50’s and early 60’s. She taught science in the classroom and on public television. Her true passion was art and design, which led her to a long career creating for public, religious, and private sectors. She was a founding member of the Episcopal Church of Reconciliation in San Antonio. Martha designed the cushion kneelers around the altar, which are still in use today.

She spent many years working in various roles for her sorority, Delta Delta Delta. She was Rush Chairman for Tri-Delta’s Theta Zeta chapter at The University of Texas at Austin during the 80’s and became Tri-Delta’s National Housing Director for several years throughout the early 90’s.

Through the years, Martha served as a docent for Bayou Bend in Houston, had a brief stint as a travel agent, and officially retired in March of last year from Stein Mart. She enjoyed cooking gourmet meals and her favorite exercise was floating in the pool on a raft, holding a glass of Chardonnay, visiting with her sister, Loraine.

In later years, Martha was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and a member of the Arlington Women’s Club. She was a proud member of her church in Arlington, Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church, serving on the Altar Guild and other committees.

Funeral services will be held at Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church in Arlington, TX at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 24, 2017.