Today, we have come together to honor the life of Martha Anne Caldwell, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many.
Martha Anne was the ninth of eleven children born to Walter and Viola Thomas, in Rosebud, Texas on June 17, 1947. She accepted Christ at a very young age and stood strong in her biblical beliefs. She would sometimes fall asleep on the old wooden pews, but continued to utilize her talent by singing the occasional solo for church programs.
Under the leadership of Bishop Daniel Roberson, Martha was a devoted member serving as a Deaconess, Usher, President of Senior Saints Day and a member of Business and Professional Women’s Federation. She dearly supported the Women’s Department and Youth Ministry. Martha exuded Proverbs 31 when it so eloquently asked the question, “who can find a virtuous woman, for her price is far above rubies.”
Martha attended primary school at Wilson White Elementary and was fond of her first- grade teacher, Mrs. Maddox. She loved school and did exceptionally well. During her school-aged years Martha also learned how to work in the fields. Martha continued her education, successfully graduating from Wilson White High School in 1965. She graduated Number 3 in her class and achieved numerous awards by participating in interscholastic league contests such as spelling, debating and essay writing. After graduating, Martha moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, where she eventually signed up for classes at Del Mar College, where she excelled and was accepted into the Vocational Nursing Program. However, Martha did not complete the program at that time.
After some time, she met Edward Caldwell Sr in 1966; they later married in 1967. To this union, five children were born. These five children became the highlight of her life. She was a tirelessly devoted mother and actively involved with all of their activities.
In 1967, she discovered that the mid-wife assigned to her at birth made a mistake with her name. Her name was not Mollie Anne, it was Martha Anne. At this time, she also found out that she was born on June 17th, not the 18th. This was a fun fact that Martha shared with those close to her.
As a young newlywed, she worked in a daycare, beauty salon and various hospitals. At that time, she felt she truly missed her calling. Martha was destined to be a nurse. She went back to Del Mar College and reapplied to the Vocational Nursing Program. She was accepted right away without having to retest. This was her confirmation. Martha completed her training and maintained an “A” average. She then took the State Board Exam and received her license and worked in nursing for 39 years before retirement. Martha always said that was one of her greatest accomplishments secondary to being a mother. Things were not always easy, but with the help of God and support from her sister, Edna and her brother-in-law, Robert and numerous friends, life was manageable. Mella Smith was also a devoted friend that was instrumental in seeing that her children made it to church (Friendship Baptist) under Freddie Fillmore, where they were able to participate in many activities. Martha was grateful because she was able to work knowing that her children were being cared for spiritually.
After an unfortunate divorce from Edward Caldwell Sr, Martha met Rosse L. Thompson and he was an integral part of her and her children’s lives until his passing. Martha continued to support her children during their foundational years. All five children grew up to become responsible adults and have families of their own. Ultimately, this made Martha proud.
Martha is preceded in death by her father, Walter Thomas Sr, her mother, Viola Hornsby Thomas; her sisters, James Emma, Dorothy Terry, Mary L. Jackson, Hollie L. Whitfield and Edna Jackson; her brothers, Elvis Thomas (Lura) and Johnny A. Thomas. Beloved Brother-in-law, Robert (Bert) Jackson.
Martha leaves to cherish her memories: her children, Adrian, Edward (Sophia), Vivian (Michael), Stephen and Stephanie; a beloved daughter-in-love, Monica. Ten grandchildren Caressa, Brittney, Marquis, Brandon, Adrionn, Ashlynn, Beyonce, Bryce, Konstance and a special grandson that she adored, Braylen; two great grandchildren with one on the way, Skylar, Zylah and soon to be Savannah; her brother, Walter Thomas Jr; her sisters, Viola (Manuel) and Bobbie (Jessie); and an abundance of nieces and nephews, cousins and extended relatives and friends, as well as, three special friends; Tommie Sharkey, Delouris Sanders and LaGayla Hardaway.
A public visitation for Martha will be held Sunday, October 9, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415. A funeral services will occur Monday, October 10, 2022 at 11:00 AM, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415. A burial will occur Monday, October 10, 2022 at 1:15 PM at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemoryGardensFuneralHome.com for the Caldwell family.
