Martha Louise Williford

She was born on the 2nd of November 1925, in Wylie, Texas and is preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd Edens and Rebecca Agnes Russell, and her brother, Ralph Watson Russell. Martha is also preceded in death by her husband of fifty-three years, B. E. “Bud” Williford, her daughter, Janet Lynn Williford Ferguson, and her grandson, Cody Russell Williford.

She is survived by her two daughters, Jamie Louise Johnson and her husband Larry of Farmers Branch, and Jean Laurie Williford of Houston; and son-in-law, Wayne Ferguson of Missouri City. She leaves behind numerous grandchildren, Eric Ferguson and his wife Amber, Matthew Ferguson, April Wildeson and her husband Brent, Laura Wright and her husband Joshua, Rebecca Johnson, Daniel Johnson, and Chris Johnson; great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Gabriel, Elliah, Noah, and Bear Wildeson, and Haven, Anwyn, Alice, Eden, Claire, and Corban Wright, and Collin and Ethan Ferguson; numerous cousins; wonderful friends; and her furpanion, TreyBob.

While Bud was completing his education at the University of Houston after serving in the U.S. Naval Air Corp, Martha sang professionally at Temple Beth Israel and Trinity Episcopal Church. In 1952, Marth and Bud joined Bellaire United Methodist Church. Martha shared her musical talent and love of music as a member of the sanctuary choir until 2011.

She was a charter member of the Heritage Sunday School Class, which began meeting in 1967. Martha served her church in many ways throughout the years. She was a member of the United Methodist Women, serving as president in 1988-90, she worked in the church library alongside her mother, Agnes, and volunteered in the church office. She also chaired threadworks, a group of talented women who stitched the kneelers for the sanctuary.

Martha received her Bachelors of Music Education from Southern Methodist University in 1945. She retired from HISD after twenty-seven years of teaching at George Washington Jr. High and Pilgrim, Poe, and West University Elementary Schools.

Martha was loved by a host of family and friends for her joyful spirit, strength, never-ending humor, her feistiness and love for her family, friends, and church. She will be truly missed.

A service of remembrance is to be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 16th of February, at Bellaire United Methodist Church, 4417 Bellaire Boulevard in Bellaire, where the Rev. Nathan Bledsoe is to officiate.

Immediately following all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in nearby Fellowship Hall.

The family will gather at a later time for a private interment at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, donations may be made in Martha’s memory to the Heritage-Seekers Sunday School Class at the church.

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