Marthalyn Pryor Slatts

February 20, 1921 – July 21, 2012

A Life Well Lived

Marthalyn “Mart” was born in Vernon Texas to Charles and Eva Pryor on February 20, 1921. She had three brothers, Charles, Jack and Bill and a sister, Ernestine. She was very close to her cousins, aunts and uncles as well. The stories of her childhood are beautiful and funny and sad… An amazing testimony to an amazing woman. Growing up she attended school in Vernon, and then went to nursing school in Waco where she did her nurses training at Providence Hospital. She was a part of the Nurses Cadet Corps during WWII. Although her family required her nursing skills all of her life – she was officially a nurse 30 years. She was an industrial nurse at Vought for many years and then later worked in a private practice. She was a member of the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Texas Association of Occupational Health Nurses, American Board of Occupational Health Nurses, and a charter member of Dallas Association of Occupational Health Nurses in which she held office on both a state and local level. She was also a member of the Grand Prairie Women’s Club, and was an instructor for the American Red Cross. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and participated in the Silver Leaves. Marthalyn was also a member of St. Vincent De Paul Society. After nursing school she met the love of her life. Willard Slatts, “Bill”. They had a marriage of true love and respect. The young married couple moved to Grand Prairie and made roots there. They had a beautiful daughter, Carol, in 1946. A classic and striking couple - they entertained, did “road races” and enjoyed many things together. After retiring, Marthalyn remained very active as “Gran” with her grandchildren. She came to their schools for nurse type things, chauffeured and kept them busy. She loved bird watching, gardening, crocheting, music and painting ceramics. She constantly took care of her family and gave to many charities. She continued to spread her love as “Gran Gran” to her five great-grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, Carol Slatts Rea and son-in-law, James Rea; her granddaughters and their families - Lisa, Keny, Jack and Megan McClurg, and Wendy, David, Haley, Nicholas and Hope Melton; her 101-year-old sister, Ernestine Spikes; her sister-in-law, Judy Pryor; and many dear nieces, nephews and close friends. There are so many people she touched and left important impressions on their lives.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Eva Pryor; her beloved husband, Willard Slatts; her brothers, Charles, Jack and Bill Pryor. She joins these loved ones and many more in the glory of Heaven where she so deservedly belongs.

There will be a rosary and mass celebrating Marthalyn’s life on July 25, 2012 at 10:30 at the Discalced Carmelite Monastery in Dallas. For additional information contact Bean-Massey-Burge at 972-263-7200. Condolences can be left at their website at www.bean-massey-burge.com . Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Bean-Massey-Burge in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Marthalyn, Mart, Mom, Gran, Gran Gran, Aunt Mart... She was “Gran” to many more than just her immediate family. There are not enough words to do her justice. A true woman of character, love and a shining example to everyone. She is in Heaven in glory to continue to watch over us and take care of us.

Proverbs 31:28 “Her children arise up, and call her blessed…”