Martha Lou Pierce

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Martha H. Drake and brothers Benny Drake and Norman Drake Jr. She is survived by her five children: Kimberley (John) Darling, Kerri Nessel, Christopher (Anna) Tucker, Matthew (Tanya) Tucker, and Keila (Steven) Carbin. She leaves behind 17 grandchildren: Amanda Gee, Thomas Nicholas Gee, Ashley Nessel, Sara Nessel, Samuel Tucker, Martha Tucker, Isaac Tucker, Victoria Vasquez-Tucker, Christian Tucker, James Conder, Stephanie Conder, Serenity Tucker, Makaela Pierce, Zamien Willis, Kaebren Willis, Zoe Carbin, and Jada Carbin; 7 beloved great- grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Norma “Jane” New and Judy Barnhart, sister-in-law Peggy Drake (wife of Norman Drake Jr.), a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She also leaves behind many other family members and dear friends, who will sadly miss her.

Martha attended Rose State College, graduating in 1981 earning a degree in Business Administration. Martha worked several jobs throughout her life, most of which she worked simultaneously. She worked for Tinker Air Force Base as a Supply Order Technician where she was responsible for ordering airplane parts. She was recognized for her participation in the “3705 Alive Quality Circle” and was commended by the General for her contributions to this mission. In the evenings she worked part-time for Service Merchandise as a Jewelry Associate. In 1996, she moved to Texas where she worked for Frito-Lay. Her move to Texas led to several new friendships, of which she kept throughout her life. If you knew Martha, you knew she could not sit still for very long. After retirement, she moved back to Oklahoma and opened a home daycare center.

Her warm and motherly spirit touched the lives of so many people over the years. She was known to be called “Momma and Grandma” by the families who entrusted her with their most precious gifts, their children. She dedicated most of her retirement years to caring for and home schooling her grandchildren, which was not for the faint-hearted. Her love of children and family is what often got her through tough times. She had a generous heart, and it wasn’t out of the norm for her to open her home to others even when she was barely making it herself. She was strong and very independent even while battling years of heart disease. Most would call her just plain “stubborn.” She was feisty and tough, but always fair.

Martha not only helped others in need, but she was also extremely knowledgeable. Whether you needed to know what was wrong with your car, have questions about geography or history, or know where to find the latest shopping deals, she always knew the answer. She loved a good bargain. While out on her shopping adventures, she would call her family to see if there was something they needed. Whether you needed it or not, she would place it in her basket and a couple days later she was calling to tell you she was on her way over to drop something off. Gifting was her love language and she expressed this quite often.

In her younger days, Martha was a “daddy’s girl” and growing up you would often find her standing beside her dad’s 1939 Chevy handing him tools. He taught her how to change the oil, replace a flat tire, and the fundamentals of an engine. She cherished that relationship and absolutely adored him. The love between her and her father was evident as she frequently shared stories of past times. Growing up, Martha experienced the effects of “World War II” and learned at an early age about “rationing.” During that time, resources were limited, and she shared stories about the tough times they lived through as children. This was always a reminder to be thankful for what you have. Later in life, she would ensure her children never went without. You knew if you needed any extra household supplies you could find them at “Mom’s.” She had an endless supply of food, paper towels, and toiletry items.

Martha raised five children as a single parent, bearing a tough load of responsibilities on her own. She was an incredible mother and family was important to her. She was not one to say I love you very often, but she had this way of letting you know you were loved. She loved celebrating Christmas and somehow always found a way to buy gifts for anyone she was close to. It was also important to Martha to see the world and ensure her children had those same experiences. She would often join forces with her sister, Norma Jane to plan family trips. These trips consisted of train rides, 19-hour road trips, and unforgettable car trips through the mountains of Colorado. Those memories still live on today because she took the time to invest and be intentional. Time is something she never took for granted.

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” Theodor Seuss Geisel

Martha is now at peace, will never be forgotten but forever remembered and missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.