Martha Lee Harper

Martha graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown, Texas, as a member of the Class of 1956. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University and later received her master’s degree in education from Stephen F. Austin State University. Martha devoted her professional life to education, building a career as a geometry teacher. She retired from Ross S. Sterling High School and also taught remedial mathematics at the junior college level.

At the tender age of 13, Martha met William “Reggie” Harper. Just two weeks after graduating from high school, Martha and Reggie were married. For the next 45 years, they built a beautiful life together, filled with love, laughter, family, and countless memories while raising their only daughter, Marna.

Martha was deeply committed to education and her community. She founded an educational sorority, Alpha Delta Kappa, and was a member of the West Chambers Pilot Club. She also served on the Barbers Hill Police Department’s interview committee.

Martha enjoyed many interests throughout her life, including golf, fishing, and boating. After retirement, she and Reggie enjoyed traveling together and making memories wherever their adventures took them. She was also a devoted Houston Astros fan who enjoyed attending their games as well as watching them on television.

Although Martha would be the first to admit that cooking was not necessarily one of her favorite pastimes, her home became the gathering place for family, especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Her home was always warm, welcoming, and filled with love. Martha valued time with her family and friends and took pleasure in creating a comfortable, welcoming home for those she loved.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Reggie Harper; her brother, James Brown, and his wife, Cynthia; and her parents-in-law, Glenn and Gladys Harper.

She leaves behind to cherish her loving memory her daughter, Marna Harper Robertson, and her husband, Robby; her grandson, Scott Robertson, and his wife, April; her brother-in-law, Ron Harper, and his wife, Sharon; her niece, Kelly Koonce, and her husband, Jeff; her nephews, Tim Brown and his wife, Pam, and Richard Brown and his wife, Lisa; several great-nieces and great-nephews; numerous cousins; and a host of other loving relatives and dear friends.

Martha will be remembered for her warmth, her love of family, her dedication to education, her generous spirit, and the joy she brought to those fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy will live on through the family and friends she loved so dearly and the many lives she touched throughout her remarkable 87 years.

A graveside service will be held at Earthman Memory Gardens Cemetery, 8624 Garth Road, Baytown, TX 77521, US, on October 7, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.