A celebration of her life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home in Temple. The family will greet guests for a time of visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Roberts Cemetery in Troy, where she will be laid to rest with dignity and love.
Born on August 22, 1936, in Hamilton, Texas, Martha was the cherished daughter of Owen and Vivian (Hedgepath) Drake. She was raised with strong values of kindness, faith, and hard work—principles that she carried with her throughout her life.
On July 4, 1955, Martha married the love of her life, Wilbur Curtis Jackson, in her hometown of Hamilton. Together, they shared nearly seven decades of unwavering devotion, building a life rooted in family, tradition, and mutual respect before her passing.
Martha was gifted with a quiet strength and a warm, generous spirit. She had a remarkable talent for working with her hands—crocheting, knitting, and creating beautiful needlepoint pieces that became treasured gifts to family and friends. She found great joy in preparing meals and sharing them with others, often at large family gatherings or community events. Feeding others was her way of showing love.
Beyond the home, Martha loved time spent in nature, especially camping trips to the lake with her family. These simple weekends, filled with laughter, stories, and togetherness, were some of her happiest moments.
She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, and a loyal friend to many. Her ability to care for others with such sincerity left a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to know her.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Owen and Vivian Drake, and her brother, Jerry Drake.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Wilbur Curtis Jackson; her daughter, Brenda Shrum and husband James “Red” Shrum; her brother, Bobby Drake; two grandsons; and two great-grandsons, all of whom carry forward her legacy of love, strength, and kindness.
Serving as pallbearers will be Roger Lee, Jimmy Jackson, Kirby Jackson, Tommy Diaz, John Downing, and Randy Jones. These gentlemen, who shared a meaningful connection with Martha and her family, are honored to walk her to her final place of rest.
Though she will be deeply missed, Martha’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her legacy is one of compassion, creativity, and grace—and it will endure for generations to come.
