Mary Frances Martin

Mary Frances Martin, age 96, of San Antonio, Texas, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, July 7, 2024. Mary Frances was born in Dallas, Texas to the late Richard B. Hardie and Mary Belle Hardie. She lived her early years in Dallas, attending North Dallas High School, where she met her future life-long husband, William E. Martin, when they were both at the age of 15. After high school, she attended SMU where she majored in Child Education and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta and a member of P.E.O. She also enjoyed modeling for Neiman Marcus Department Store advertisements, and later working at Southwestern Bell Telephone for three years. Upon Bill’s graduation from SMU, the childhood sweethearts were married, enjoying 71 years together until Bill’s death in 2020.

Mary Frances was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, and aunt. All who knew her were drawn to her sweet ways and caring heart. She never knew a stranger and was always aware of others who needed to be drawn into the conversation or group. The description many would continually speak of her were, “she is so sweet and kind and caring”. She loved God and her family and friends and looked for ways to express that love in many and generous ways. She loved to entertain and have people in her home and took many opportunities to do so as a member of her church, P.E.O, and many other philanthropic organizations, as well as garden club and bridge club. Her favorite hobby was playing bridge, being extremely good at the game and loving every moment of it, as she did with most games. Even as she grew older, she continued to love being with people, seeking others out to enjoy a conversation or play a game. Though being less able to do for others as she grew older, she continued to seek to know how her family, friends and all she met were doing.

Mary Frances leaves an empty space in many hearts, but beautiful, loving memories remain behind with which to help fill them. She had a lovely personality, instant smile, gracious manners, and a generous heart. Most definitely she heard the words of Christ Jesus, “Well done, good and faithful servant”, upon entering eternity’s door and meeting her Savior.

Mary Frances was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William E. Martin; her parents; and her brother Rev. Richard B. Hardie, Jr. She is survived by her sons, Bill Martin, Jr (Terri) and Gary Martin (Joyce); five grandsons, Jason Martin (Candace), Elliott Martin (Mary), Jonathan Martin, Jesse Martin, and Evan Martin; and six great-grandchildren.

A private family memorial will be held graveside.