Martha Earl Elliott's Obituary
A Life of Grace, Style & Strength- Martha Earl Elliott was born in a small town in Louisiana in Bienville Parish on the 2nd day of February in 1935. Affectionately known as Polly, a name given to her by her grandmother, Martha lived her life with grace, style, and strength. Martha was born Martha Earl Underwood to her parents, Helen Clark (D) and Audie Underwood (D). As a child, Martha, remained in Louisiana with her grandmother. While in Louisiana, Martha met Clarance Elliott Sr. and they married and moved to Texas, leaving behind her eldest brother, Willie Clark (D). From this union, four children were born; Betty Ann (who died at an early age), Clarence Jr., Sam, and Betsy Ann.
In 1952, still a young woman and missing her mother, Martha decided to moved to Northern California to reunite with her mother and younger siblings, Henry Gibson and Ollie Mae Gibson. At this time, she met Henry L. Lewis, which led to the birth of their daughter, Adelene Giza Lewis. Some years later, Martha met Arie D. Walker (D), which led to the birth of her youngest child, Bernard Eric Walker. Although, Martha did not have a formal education, she was brilliant and resourceful in her own right. She taught herself how to read and write, she taught herself how to sew. She was truly a gifted seamstress and could actually create beautiful designs without the use of a pattern. For a period of time, she used these skills and worked as a seamstress. Martha was known for her quiet strenght, good common sense, and her embracing smile. While in Texas, Martha also taught herself how to drive using a tractor, she was not a member of any specific church, but truly loved God with all her heart and soul. She also loved her children and worked diligenty to raise her three youngest on her own, insisting that they receive proper education and strive for success.
During Martha’s time in Texas, she worked as a Ranch worker and developed a love for horses, a love that stayed with her for the rest of her life. She often found herself regularly amongst the well-bred steed at Golden Gate Fields. Martha was a master in the kitchen and was well known as the appointed baker of the family. She could “throw down” better than most from scratch, creating her own unique recipes. Martha has a funny, but sarcastic sense of humor, and rarely sugar-coated anything. She walked with grace, set a true example of classic style, and her eyes told a story of strength and perserverance. She lived each moment of life to the fullest and showed us all how to journey in peace, in love, and with remarkable strenght. Martha will truly be missed by all that knew and loved her. She leaves behind Her Siblings: a brother, Audie Lamar Underwood Jr. and his wife, Dianne, a sister, Gloria Underwood-Leon and her husband, Spencer Leon, all hailing from New Orleans, Lousisana. Her Children: Clarence Elliott Jr., Sam Elliott and his wife, Mary of Texas, Betsy Ann Elliott-Durnell, Giza Lewis (Adelene and her significant other Theodore Johnson, and Bernard E. Walker and his wife, Kimberly of California. Her Grandchildren: Lisa Elliott Pace of Kentucky, Rekita Elliott Wilson, Clarence Elliott, Kiesha Elliott of Texas, Shante Elliott, Carlos Elliott, and Maya Elliott of Florida. Her Nieces: Artise Underwood-Singleton and Alicia Underwood-Crump. Her Nephews: Calvin Moore, Kevin Leon, Miguel Leon, and a host of cousins, extended family, and friends.
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