Lydia A. Martinez

Lydia was born to Moises Ayala and Refugio Flores Ayala, December 12, 1931 in Houston, Texas. She graduated from Milby High School in 1950. She married Joe P. Martinez on August 10, 1952 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and together raised three sons in Houston, Texas.

She is survived by her sons Joe Phillip Jr., (Rachel), James, John (Tatiana) and grandchildren, Angelica Olivos (Mark), Joel (Erika), Stephanie Potts (Austen), Eva, Milana and great grandchildren, Danielle, Emma, Julia, Eli, and Forest. Lydia also leaves her sister to cherish her memory Rachel Castro and numerous loving nieces, nephews, and relatives. Lydia was preceded in death by her husband Joe P. Martinez, parents Moises and Refugio Ayala and her sister Irene Torres.

Lydia worked in her younger years at the Houston Police Department, Museum of Fine Arts and retired in 2002 from Halliburton after 25 years of service. She loved sewing, music, dancing and enjoyed playing the piano. While her sons were growing up she was their biggest cheerleader and supporter at their high school basketball games. She was known for baking her delicious cakes for family occasions and grandchildren’s birthday parties. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. After her retirement, she enjoyed spending time at the family ranch in Flatonia, Texas and watching her favorite basketball team “The Rockets”. She will be missed dearly by her family and all who knew and loved her.

A viewing is scheduled on March 12, 2021, 5:00-9:00 PM at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale St., Houston, Texas 77023. The Celebration of Life will start at 7:00 PM.

Burial will follow on March 13, 2021, 11:00-12:00 PM at Lawndale Funeral Home. Pastor David Torres will officiate the ceremony. The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks and deep gratitude for all expressions of sympathy and acts of kindness shown during this time of bereavement.