She grew up in the then small community of Alief, Texas, the daughter of Bill and Lurline Smith. She was preceded in death by her brothers David and Billy Smith, and her sister Willene Smith. In 1952, Celeste married Jim Martin. They were together until Jim passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s disease in 2006.
From 1955 to 1995, she and Jim were the proud owners and operators of Southwest Fertilizer, a garden supply and feed store that is still in business. Celeste enjoyed working at the store: she got to chat with loyal customers and meet new people in need of lawn and garden advice. She loved to cook and bake. Desserts were her specialty. Her divinity and fudge at Christmastime were festive treats. Later in life, she enjoyed the good meals at the Live Oak Grill. The Grill was Celeste’s favorite place to dine with family and friends. She often made desserts for the Grill’s staff because they were so kind to her.
Celeste was proud that she and several other spouses of Alzheimer’s sufferers raised money for Alzheimer’s research by publishing and selling two cookbooks of collected favorite recipes. Her favorite pastimes were reading and needlepointing. Every needlepoint piece was started with a special recipient in mind. Most of her beautiful needlepoint projects were gifts for family and friends.
She is survived by her three sons, Randy and his wife Debbie, Dean and his wife Diana, Jay and his wife Terri; grandchildren, Misty Carter and her husband Adam, Mindy Marin and her husband Milo, Matthew Martin and his wife Courtney, Andrew Martin, William Martin, and Emma Martin; great grandchildren, Colton, Madilyn, Sofia, Camila, Frankie, and Rowan.
A visitation will be held at 9:00 to 10:00 on Monday, February 10, 2025. The funeral service will begin at 10:00, followed by a graveside service. A reception will then be held after the committal service. All services will take place at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home and Cemetery.
