Martha Ann Massingill

Martha Ann Cathey was born in Hamilton, Texas July 27, 1932. She was the fifth child of 10 children born to Corabuna Butler Cathey and Thomas Washington Cathey. Martha was preceded in death by her husband Douglas Walter, son Olan Walter, grandson Dickie Don, son-in-law William Jeffery Pearcy, both her parents, brothers John Charles, and T.W., sisters Buna Nell, Doris Thomasine, Robbie Lois and Zena Beth. She is survived by brothers Jimmy Dale, Bobbie Lee and Billy Joe Cathey.

Martha married the one love of her life, Douglas Walter Massingill on her sixteenth birthday. Doug entered the Air Force and together they lived in Alaska,Wyoming, Missouri, Georgia and Texas. They had three children: Olan Walter, Zena Beth Pearcy and Charlie Thomas. She had only grandsons: Jeffery Wayne Pearcy, Dickie Don, Dustin Dwayne, Charlie Thomas Jr., Scott Travis and Kevin Trey Massingill. Great grandchildren Kayla, Kristin, Olan and Kaidence. Her only great great grandchild is Brooke Lynn. Her daughter-in-laws Sharon Kay and Patricia Suzanne were always cherished by her as her own. She has numerous nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

She loved her Lord Jesus Christ with all her heart and was an active member of Downsville Baptist Church. She loved her church family and especially enjoyed Tim’s children Sermons on Sunday morning. Although she was unable to attend church in the past 3 months, her loving spirit was felt. She will truly be missed by her church family.

Martha was never idle. Besides being a great cook, excellent housekeeper and phenomenal mother, Martha worked as a nursing assistant, licensed Beautician, and a salesperson at a men’s clothing store—Salesman Sample Outlet.

She loved to play card games and Dominos. She had a beautiful singing voice and could whistle with the best. When she and her sisters worked in the kitchen they often harmonized in beautiful renditions of church hymns. She loved music, and tried every weekend to watch the Gaither band on TV. She loved animals, and had lots of pets over the years. Many people will remember Freckles, ChaCha, Penny and Tiny.

Martha loved greeting cards and seldom missed a birthday, anniversary or significant holiday card. Her niece Vickie Jan noted, “Aunt Martha was always there with a card to help us celebrate or grieve.”

If you were to sum up Martha Ann’s philosophy in life in one word, that word would be “family”. She kept up with all of our lives, accomplishments, disappointments and milestones. She loved each and every one of us. We will miss her terribly. We will always think of her on our own birthdays, because we are so used to her sweet cards and reminders of her loving attention.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in honor of Ann to Louisiana Center for the Blind in Ruston Louisiana or Downsville Baptist Church.

Arrangements under the direction of Connally-Compton Funeral Directors, Waco, TX.