courageous battle with Alzheimers. She was born 82 years ago in Waco, Texas on July 12,
1935 to Jewell and W. W. (Jimmy) Pearson. Shortly after Barbara’s birth, Jimmy moved the
family to Houston, Texas where Jimmy took a job with Heights Funeral Home. The family
settled into a home located next to the Funeral Home and the management and staff of the
Heights Funeral Home became Barbara’s extended family. Barbara attended Reagan High
School where she was a proud member of the high school drill team, The Red Coats.
After graduating from high school in 1953, Barbara traveled down the road to Austin to attend
The University of Texas. Barbara lived at Kirby Hall and joined the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.
In the summer of 1955, she met a handsome, young, fellow Longhorn, Don Martin. After a first
date at a fishing camp/beer hall on Bull Creek in Austin (now the County Line on the Lake)
Barbara and Don were inseparable. They married in January, 1956, and began their 62 year
love affair.
Barbara’s passions in life were varied, and she lived with a joyful zest that touched all the
people around her. She was an accomplished tennis player, and developed wonderful
friendships while playing at local clubs such as the Fondren Tennis Center, and the Houston
City Club. Barbara also loved playing duplicate bridge and she attained the level of Life Master
in 1995. Barbara loved to travel and she exhibited great negotiating skills in getting Don to join
her in travel adventures. She most enjoyed her excursions to exotic locales with the Flying
Longhorns.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Donald Haden Martin, and her
son Donald Haden Martin, Jr. She is survived by her son Bobby Martin and daughter-in-law,
Lynne Martin. She is also survived by grandchildren Heather Martin Wendt (Preston Wendt),
Haley Martin Hann (Brandon Hann), and Travis Martin. Barbara was also blessed with three
great grandchildren, Jackson Wendt, Jake Wendt, and Harper Hann.
We will cherish Barbara’s memory at a memorial service on Thursday, June 14, 2 pm, at
Heights Funeral Home, 1317 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77008. Attendees are requested
to wear bright colors to honor Barbara’s bright outlook on life.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, or the animal shelter
of your choice (in honor of her special grand dogs, Herky, Fred, and Jess).
