Martha Mathis Black, 83, passed away Sunday, January 15, 2017 – she died peacefully in her sleep. She is preceded in death by her parents, Franklin and Mable Mathis; her loving husband, Marcus T. Black Sr.; and sister, Bettye Alexander. Martha is survived by son, Marcus T. Black Jr. and wife, Jessica; daughters, Tricia Black, Betsy Black Corbello, and husband, Joey; grandchildren, Jonathan Berard, Emilee Black, Kaitlyn Black; great grandchild, Bastian Berard; and a host of other family and friends.

Martha was born in Eagle Lake, Texas on March 5, 1933 and was the second child of Franklin Mathis and Mable Garrett Mathis of Alvin, Texas. Martha graduated from Alvin High School and was a member of the school band, bowling league, cheerleader and a twirler. She attended Alvin Jr. College and worked for many years as a legal secretary and Real Estate Broker. Martha believed strongly in giving back to the community and was a volunteer “Pink Lady” at Lafayette General Hospital, and a volunteer for the Republican Party on the local, state and national levels. She was an accomplished Bridge player, a member of the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) and a Gold Life Master. Martha loved to spend time with her family and friends – whether it was going to the movies, playing cards or just sitting and talking. Martha was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She was affectionately known as “Gran” to all her grandchildren and she loved her special little dog “Baby”.

Martha and her sister Bettye were very close and had a special bond. Her nephew Tom Alexander, Jr., wife Rosslyn, nieces Diana Alexander Holzhauser , husband Dennis, Cynthia Elizabeth Alexander and Harriett Alexander Holmes , husband Allen and all the great nieces and nephews always had a special place in her heart. She was dedicated and highly devoted to her family and friends at all times.

Martha made many wonderful and lasting friends and acquaintances that stayed throughout the years. She was dedicated and highly devoted to her family and friends at all times.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family would especially like to thank Gigi Galaviz for all her love, support and commitmentto their mother and her care in the last two years. Gigi has become a part of the Black family.

The family would also like to thank Tuscany Village for being a part of their mom’s life for these last three years. The nurses and staff have done a great job helping care for their mom in her time of need.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Martha’s honor to www.mhmraharris.org (Mental Health and Retardation), www.jdrf.org (Juvenile Diabetes Research) , or www.bcrfcure.org (Breast Cancer Research).

A visitation for Martha will be held Tuesday, January 17, 2017 from 5:30 until 7:30 pm at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, Texas 77581. The funeral service will take place Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at 11:00 am at the funeral home with Pastor Jason Hess officiating. Interment will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at 3:00 pm at Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery in Lafayette, Louisiana.