Martha Marsan Ann Pope Parmley

Martha Pope Parmley, our beloved mother and valiant warrior, fought the good fight and left this world on November 6, 2016, in Houston. She will be laid for eternal rest next to Glen, her husband of 69 years, who predeceased her November 2009. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 12, 2016, at Rock Springs Cemetery in Nacogdoches.

A native Houstonian, she was born January 18, 1921. Family was always the focus of her life. She provided her 4 children with an idyllic childhood, as they grew up in Bellaire during the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and their spouses gathered around her and Papa in their home, filling all their hearts with love and creating everlasting memories.

We know she possessed a calm, silent strength. That spirit never shined brighter than in the last months of her life, as she fought to recuperate from a fall and resulting surgery. Family members and caregivers were amazed not only by her physical determination, but also astonished by her sweet spirit. Never one to complain, she always had a smile and a softly uttered “thank you” for simple acts of care and compassion.

The following is from a poem Mother asked to be read at her service:

“Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near. If you listen with your heart, you’ll hear all my love around you, soft and clear.” We hear you, Mom. We are comforted in knowing that her life was filled with abundant love, both given and received. That is a life well-lived.

Martha is survived by her children, Jean McKeown, Diane Feagin, Jeff Parmley and Patricia Cortez; sons and daughters-in-law, Butch McKeown, Sarah Parmley and Art Cortez; grandchildren, Michelle Almaraz and husband Frank, Debbie Alford and husband John, Robb McKeown and wife Cheyonne, Rusty Feagin and wife Estela, Kyle Feagin, Amanda Moore, Jackson Parmley, Chris Cortez and Amanda Cortez; great-grandchildren, Hunter Lowney, McKenzie Almaraz, Sydney Alford, Shelby Alford, Carly Alford, James Alford, Nolan McKeown, Grant McKeown, Davis McKeown, Mia Elizondo, Olivia Feagin and Luke Moore; sister-in-law Ouida Townsen; niece Misha Pope Bruno; nephews, Joe Pope, Norman Townsen and Buddy Townsen.

Services are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, Nacogdoches.

Please visit www.casonmonk-metcalf.com for more information or to leave online condolences.