Martha Jean Waddell

Martha Jean Clayton Waddell, age 96, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2024, in Plano TX. She was born in Philadelphia, PA on March 15, 1928. She was the youngest of nine children born to John and Clara Clayton. Although raised during the depression she was a woman full of light and joy. At Collingswood High School in New Jersey, she was head cheerleader and played field hockey for the team that won the All‐South Jersey championship in 1945. After high school, she worked as a bookkeeper sparking a lifelong passion for record keeping.

Martha married her high school sweetheart John Bruce Waddell, Jr. “Bruce” in 1949 and they shared 63 loving years together. They raised three children together who loved and admired them both deeply. The family shared the adventures of moving across the U.S. multiple times and lived in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Texas, and California. Their final move was back to Richardson, Texas in 1974. Martha and Bruce were fortunate to have traveled out of the country and particularly enjoyed Normandy Beach, Malaysia, Scotland, England, Hawaii, and Argentina.

Martha found strength from her belief in God and enjoyed her Bible study group. She believed in “living in giving” to family and friends and was an ardent supporter of dozens of charities. Her heart held a special place for Wounded Warriors, St. Jude, and Boys Town. Driven by a desire to make a difference, she actively sought opportunities to engage and contribute. As president of the PTA, she worked to support programs and activities to benefit students, parents, teachers, and the community. She enjoyed her involvement in the Tennis Association, The Bridge Club, and the Dallas Literary Club. One of her longest commitments was as part of the Canyon Creek Garden Club, where she served as President among other positions. In appreciation for her years of service they made her a lifetime member and honored her with a bench and plaque which is located at the new Canyon Creek Fire Station 3. The friendships she shared within these clubs were a gift to her.

Martha was preceded in death by her wonderful husband Bruce and her beautiful daughter Elizabeth Jean Waddell Ivester “Beth".

She is survived by her daughter Linda Anne Waddell Tunney and husband Edward Tunney of Easton MD, as well as her son John Bruce Waddell, III and wife Paula Stephens Waddell of Plano TX. She took special pride in her grandchildren Jeff, Carolyn and Jim Tunney of Maryland, Chris Waddell of Dallas, Texas and Claire Waddell Reed and husband Chris of California. Along with great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews she will be greatly missed by both family and friends.

She will be interred with a private family ceremony, uniting with Bruce at the Dallas‐Fort Worth National Cemetery.