Martha Williams Ainsworth

She was born July 15, 1922 in Mexia, Texas to Lena Tilley Williams and Phillip Robert Williams. She was predeceased by her husband, Elvin DeWitt Ainsworth. They were married 58 years and she adored and loved him every one of those days. He, in turn, cherished her and placed her on a pedestal where she remained in his heart and mind always. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Nancy Carol Ainsworth Gross and son-in-law, Mel Gross, and the pride and joy and light of her life grandson David Ainsworth Gross and wife Priscila, and the newest love in her world her great-grandson Jonathan “Johnny” Ainsworth Gross. She is also survived by cousins Bonnie Dryden, Linda, Joe, Stephanie and Brent Battson and Priscila’s dear parents Adriana and Pablo Lyon.

Martha and Elvin’s home was always filled with love, laughter, smiles and hugs for anyone who might be lucky enough to enter. And so they did, for they had friends in abundance who knew they were always welcome. Their respect and devotion to each other was legendary. Growing up in this atmosphere was a true gift of love for Nancy. Never ever did they interrupt each other or argue or raise their voices in all the years of their lives together. They taught her values, ethics and encouraged her to be or do anything she aspired to. This same wonderful happy loving home was where David loved to spend time playing and his friends enjoyed it, too. He so enjoyed being with them. It was pure fun. He was devoted to his grandmother and since graduating from college and moving back to Houston they have had lunch together every Sunday for the last 12 years. Martha had compassion, a ton of patience, gave good advice and had a zest for life. She was a good listener and so her family and many friends flocked to her. Each knowing that they were special and anything they talked about would always be private. A rare quality. Martha gave generously of her time volunteering for school activities and scouts, cooking, baking, chaperoning, chairing or hosting events, making costumes…anything that was needed by a member of the family.

Growing up in Amarillo, Texas Martha never learned to swim. So when she married Elvin, quite an avid fisherman and hunter, they made a pact. She wouldn’t go out in the boat, but would cook anything he caught as long as he cleaned it before bringing it in the house. She was a gourmet cook so there were many feasts for all to enjoy. She loved art, music and dance. Martha had a love of books and always had a book handy wherever she was. This love of reading was passed on to Nancy and David. There is still a large bag of books by her favorite chair she had yet to finish. She believed that education was one of the keys to success and promoted this belief, supporting Nancy and David in every endeavor. Just knowing she always believed in you completely was a wonderful thing.

Her family was her life. She was sweet, beautiful, precious in our eyes, elegant, yet down to earth. A lovely lady who was the heart of our home and will be greatly missed by all of us who loved her so much. We know she is in heaven with God now and that Elvin was there waiting with open arms for her to arrive.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Richard Jackson for his friendship and for taking such good care of Martha all through the years. Also Houston Hospice for making the last 24 hours of her life a peaceful comfortable journey.

Pallbearers are Jim Adler, Brent Battson, Cody Grizzoffi, Lupe Hernandez, Dr. Richard Jackson, Mike Marvins, Gary Nathanson and Lewis W. Smith III.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Martha’s memory to the Houston S.P.C.A, Citizens for Animal Protection or to the American Cancer Society.