Martha Jean Caldwell

Martha Jean McGaughey was born January 23, 1936, in Trinity, Texas, to William Thomas and Syble Eileen McGaughey. She passed peacefully from this earthly life at her home on January 15, 2025, a few days shy of her eighty-ninth birthday.

Martha married James Leonard Caldwell on August 5, 1966, in Houston. They raised two sons, James Jr. and Roger. Martha and James were married forty-seven years before James’ passing in 2013.

Martha worked for Aldine ISD for almost thirty years before her retirement. She was a member of Garden Oaks church of Christ and later Hidden Valley church of Christ. Martha was a respected and loved teacher of Ladies’ Bible classes until she had to step down due to her declining health. She enjoyed gospel music, attending church services and reading her Bible daily.

Martha loved to crochet, watching sports, mostly baseball and football, and she was a huge Astros fan!

Martha was loved by so many! She had a caring nature and a very kind, welcoming demeanor. She never met a stranger, whether it be a lady sitting next to her at the nail salon, someone standing behind her in line at the grocery store, or one of the many health care workers she encountered over the last year. They all loved her immediately and thought of her as a friend!

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband James, and her grandson Joseph Russo. She is survived by her sons James Caldwell Jr. and wife Suzy, Roger Caldwell and wife Katherine, grandchildren Craig, Emma, Cole, Dane, and Gabe Caldwell. She is also survived by her sister Tommie Chapman, brother-in-law Lamar Chapman, brother Ronnie McGaughey, sister-in-law Beverly McGaughey, brother James Lee McGaughey and sister-in-law Robin McGaughey, numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of friends and church family.

Martha had a welcoming smile and grandmotherly embrace. She impacted many lives over the years. She will remain in our hearts and memories for many years to come!