Beverly Gail Adams Martin

Beverly was born January 26, 1952, in Midland, TX. She was the second daughter born to William D. Adams and Melba Nadine Thompson Adams. She was raised in Midland and after high school attended Texas Tech University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree with a child development major. Beverly, her cousin Carol, and her childhood friend Lynn, were charter members of the Clement Hall Gals; a dozen steadfast friends since their freshman year to this day.

At Tech, she also met her husband of 41 years, Jerry L. Martin. Together they raised two children in Lubbock, Midland, and Houston before settling in Austin in 1982. Beverly loved to be around children as they learned which was evidenced by her years of working in the Dripping Springs school system, her years with the Texas Education Agency, and her years with Austin Graduate School of Theology as Registrar. Teaching children about the love of God was important to Beverly and a number of her former students, now with their own families, reminisce about the days in her fourth grade Sunday school class.

Beverly was preceded in death by her father, William D. (Slats) Adams and her mother, Melba Nadine (Dene) Adams, of Midland, TX. Also preceding her in death were many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins in her Adams, Thompson, and Martin families. She is survived by her husband, Jerry L. Martin, of Austin; a son, Jeffrey Scott Martin and wife Rachel, of Dallas, TX; a daughter, Lee Anne Martin McLeod and husband Todd of Boerne, TX; Grandchildren, Ian and Meredith McLeod, Isabel and Zara Hicks, and Zachary Martin; a sister, Jo Ann Ray, of Weatherford, TX; a brother, Ron D. Adams and wife Terry, of Midland, TX; a brother-in-law, Troy G. Martin and wife Diane, of Midland, TX; an uncle, Billy Joe Thompson and wife Jackie, of Midland, TX; aunts Mary Bolton, of Midland, TX, and Lora Thompson of Breckenridge, TX. Beverly was loved and is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends and neighbors.

Beverly was gentle, caring, and tender in her dealings with all who knew her. She was a thoughtful friend who loved to give gifts. It was a rare occasion when a niece or nephew didn’t get a birthday card (with gifts for the younger ones) from Aunt Bev. Jerry might forget to extend a happy birthday wish, but not Auntie! When the grandchildren arrived, Beverly was given the name Mama Peeps and the gift giving began in earnest. Any perceived need of one of her grandchildren was quickly met. Beverly loved her family.

And she loved the Lord’s family. Beverly was a devoted Christian who sang praises to the Lord with hands held high who read and lived the scriptures all the days of her life. Now she sings that new song.

The family gratefully acknowledges the loving care and support given to Beverly and her family by Texas Oncology doctors and staff, Hospice Austin staff, and Visiting Angels staff during this time.

The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, January 19, 2014, at Cook–Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 W. William Cannon Dr., Austin, Texas 78749.

A funeral celebrating Beverly’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 20, 2014, at University Avenue Church of Christ, 1903 University Avenue, Austin, Texas 78705. Burial service will follow at Cook–Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park. The family will host a reception following the burial.

Honoring Beverly as pallbearers will be A.C. Thompson III, Brian Ray, Ron Adams, Jr., Greg Hix, Tracy Hix, Jason Gignac, and Troy G. Martin, Jr.