Paula Marie Martin

Martin, Paula Marie died peacefully in hospice on June 4, 2020 with her son and daughter by her side. Paula was born May 31, 1941 to Paul and Elna Branstetter in Mexico, Missouri. They moved the young family to Sulphur Springs, Texas where they raised Paula and her sister. Many family vacations were spent at the Texas coast or in Arkansas, enjoying the outdoors, fishing, golfing, camping, and scouting. Paula attended Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. Paula married and had two children. They moved to Arlington, Texas, where she began her career in accounting and finance, working for several local businesses, including Classic Vans, Montgomery Ward, and RandWest Medical Offices. She was a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Arlington, Texas, and assisted church members at the Eastern Star and the Texas Masonic Homes. She moved to Katy, Texas, and worked for Robert H. Smith Construction in Houston. Her faith strengthened, and she became an active member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church of Houston. She served many years on the vestry and as senior warden. As a member of the laity and a pastoral leader, she ministered to the sick during the AIDS epidemic and helped others face the challenges of being a Christian in today's world. Being a member of a community rooted in faith and serving as a sponsor for adult catechumens was most rewarding for Paula. Paula then moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, and worked at W.R. Bonsal Company before retiring to Pass Christian, Mississippi. In 2005, a direct hit from Hurricane Katrina destroyed her home. She relocated to Maine, far from the path of hurricanes, to rebuild her life. She was a snowbird spending her winters in Texas and summers in Maine. She traveled and made cherished memories in Alaska, New York City, Boston, several cities in Canada, and several countries in Europe. She was an excellent cook, appreciated a beautiful garden, and loved to entertain family and friends in her home. Paula always enjoyed a good mystery book or tv show. Her favorite music was classical, opera, and Willie Nelson. She had a talent for interior and color design and visited museums and galleries everywhere to experience all types of art. Her sense of humor was infectious, and her friends have stories to prove it. She was a wonderful and loving mother! Her children are grateful to The Reverend Mother Adrienne R. Hymes, Wesley Chapel Episcopal Church, and The Reverend Bill Edmonds for their loving prayers and spiritual support; to the Wade Funeral Home for their kind service; for the compassionate and gentle care provided by the team of Community Hospice of Texas to Paula and her children during the final days of her life; and, to family and friends who continue to provide their sympathy and love and their memories and laughter. In remembrance, you may donate to your favorite charity. Paula would be pleased that donations are made to organizations that protect and care for children or animals. Paula is survived by her daughter Carolyn Meier (Greg, Fort Worth TX) and her son Christopher Brady (Kevin White, Winslow ME), her closest friend Gayla Kelley (Houston TX), her sister Linda Eddins (Mickey, Sulphur Springs TX), her three nephews, many friends and loving people she welcomed into her life, and her little dog Belle (Fort Worth TX). ‘And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus' Philippians 4:7 Wade Family Funeral Home (817) 274-9233