of Marshall, AR
December 17, 1934 - October 15, 2022
Joyce Dell Sparks Martin, age 87 of Marshall, Arkansas passed from this life on Saturday, October 15th, 2022 at Baxter Regional in Mountain Home, Arkansas. She was born in Harrison, Arkansas on December 17th, 1934 to Floyd Lemuel Sparks and Noma Lea Hensley Sparks. She married Thomas Wayne Martin Jr. on May 24th, 1956. They shared 60 years of marriage before Tommy's passing in 2016.
Alongside her husband, Dell was co-owner and operator of Coffman Funeral Home in Marshall for over 50 years. She served the Searcy County community in many capacities. She was a licensed funeral director and later obtained her insurance license which required many hours of study and passing of a state exam. She tackled this task head on and passed on the very first try. During her funeral service career, Dell gave people purpose and was committed to the service she provided. She was a wonderful cook. Besides cooking for her family she often prepared food for many community events. She excelled at Holidays and spent many hours in the kitchen making coffee cakes for friends and family. Dell was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She loved the years she and Tommy spent working side by side. She loved going on trips with Tommy and especially enjoyed playing the nickel poker machines during their casino visits. Her strong presence will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Survivors include her five children, Donna Hopkins (Jackie) of Mountain Home, Wayne Martin (Susan) of Marshall, Thecia Smith (Kelley) of Marshall, Jeff Martin of Marshall and Sarah Jo Kendrick (Mike) of Marshall; nine grandchildren, Kelly Hopkins, Lindsey Partee, Tommy Martin, Mallory Martin, Farrell Smith, Summer Barker, Alexandra Coffman, Graci Harris and Dylan Kendrick; eleven great-grandchildren; and one sister, Nell Riggins of Bellefonte.
Dell is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Noma Sparks; her husband, Thomas Wayne Martin Jr.; siblings, Norene Cox, Mildred Hickman, Jack Sparks, Mary Terry, Josephine Gass, Anna Henn, Floydean Douglas and Sandra Hicks.
Funeral services for Dell will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, October 19th, 2022 at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas with Sis. Kim Horton officiating. Visitation will be 6:00 till 8:00 PM Tuesday, October 18th, 2022 in the Chapel. Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery in Marshall, Arkansas where Dell will be laid to rest beside her husband, Tommy. Bearers will be Charles House, Richard Riggins, Brad Gard, Ken Harris, Bill Douglas and John Sparks.
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41 Condolence(s)
Lisa Morris
Saturday, October 22, 2022
I was so saddened to learn about Dell’s passing. She was such a classy lady. She knew how to make everyone comfortable and it was always fun to go to your house.
I pray that your memories that were made help through this difficult time.
Chris akin
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Sorry for your loss of ur mom. Praying for family
Todd
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Donna/Wayne/Thecia/Jeff/Sarah
Sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers! Your mother was beyond special and was a one-of-a-kind mom that I will always have fond memories of.
Mike and Gail Hamilton
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
We are very sorry for your loss. I liked Dell very much. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family.
Mike and Gail
Colleen Stephenson
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Donna,
So sorry to hear of your Moms passing, keep the happy memory's close to your heart.
Rhonda Rowlett
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Sorry I can not be with you today. My prayers are with you all.
Love you all
Rhonda Rowlett
Jimmy and Beverly Horton
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Theresa Warren
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
John Barnes
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Dell was a kind, giving and special person who made a lasting contribution to not only her family but also to the people of Searcy county. After Tommy and Dell sold the funeral home to the Roller Family, it was my honor and privilege to work with them. I always looked forward to and enjoyed my visits with them and the entire staff at Marshall. Donna and family, please know that you have my deepest sympathy.
Jim Floyd
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Wayne & family, sorry to hear.
Jim. (your MC Shirt brother)
Brenda Lewis
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
I am so very sorry for the loss of your Mother. Your parents were very special people.
Mickey (Williams) Black
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
So...so for your loss Thecia and family😢
Cynthia Fruehauf-Parker
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
So sorry for the loss of your Mother . The community will be at at loss . Prayers for your comfort in this difficult time
Mary and Tracy Harris
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Jeff we are so sorry to learn of your mom's passing. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Eddie J Smith
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Wonderful lady, wife, mother. Miss Wayne & I waking up to her breakfast.
Albert & Anna (Rainbolt) Maze
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Our deepest sympathies to your families at this time. May God comfort you during these difficult days.
Nancy Jones
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
So sorry for your loss. She was a strong lady and a fighter. I admired her strength and her love for her family. Keeping you in prayers. She will be missed by many.
Tresa and Terry Virden
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Sorry to hear about the passing of your mother… she was a wonderful lady. Cherish the memories and we will continue to pray for ur family.
Earlene Loggains Carter
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
So sorry for your loss ðŸ™
Coy & Sue Horton
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers to the family..
Dianna and Mike Roller
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Donna and family,
So sorry for the loss of your mother. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending comfort your way.
Sincerely,
Dianna and Mike Roller
Eddie & Pam Cannada
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Our deepest sympathy. Dell was such a sweet lady. May God comfort you all at this time and in the days to come.
Daphne Warren
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Thecia so sorry for your loss. Prayers for all during this time. Daphne
Shirley J. Gray
Monday, October 17, 2022
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Rick and Janice Horton
Monday, October 17, 2022
Donna and Family, we are so very sorry for the loss of your sweet mother. I remember she was always busy cooking and sewing. She was full of energy and could work circles around all of us. You will be surrounded by her love for you always. Our sincerest condolences and prayers for you and your family.
R.D. and Obeta Wyckoff
Monday, October 17, 2022
Thecia, please accept our sincerest condolences. Dell was a lovely lady.
David Lane
Monday, October 17, 2022
Not smart enough to say everything I want to say... I'll start by saying I'm so sorry to the family, I love you guys...
Dell was a big influence in my life at a tough time, I will never forget her and her positive spirit, we had a sincere connection and I'll never forget what it meant to me... Dell I love you forever!!!
Rob & Kathy Williams
Monday, October 17, 2022
Tommy and Dell are finally together again…..such a sad loss for all but knowing they’re together again Is a blessing……my fondest memories of her was….she was always cooking , with kids and grandkids and friends in her home…..where she was still cooking and serving……for allâ£ï¸ Much love to her children…..sending prayers for all.
Tonya Keisler & Darvin Rea
Monday, October 17, 2022
Sorry for your family's loss
God bless you all
Howard and Renee Coggin
Monday, October 17, 2022
Sarah we are so sorry for your loss. We pray for peace and comfort during this dark time. We love you and will pray for y’all!!!!!
Chris and Jamey Redding
Monday, October 17, 2022
We are so sorry for your loss. Keeping your family in our prayers and sending thoughts your way. We love you, Chris and Jamey Redding
James and Leada Horton
Monday, October 17, 2022
So sorry to hear about Dell. She was a special lady. Our love and prayers for all the family.
Cindy Young
Monday, October 17, 2022
Donna, Wayne, and Kelly: I’m so sorry to read of your Mom and Grandma’s passing. We’re never ready to say goodbye, but oh how blessed we were to have them.
(((HUGS))) to you all!
Jerry and Mary Patterson
Monday, October 17, 2022
Our love,and best wish always.
Mike and donna treat
Monday, October 17, 2022
So sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort at this sorrowful time ðŸ™
Wesley and Loretta Smith
Monday, October 17, 2022
Dell will be missed by many friends. I enjoyed our short visits with her and Tommy
Carla & Cat Kelley
Monday, October 17, 2022
Martin family, we are sending prayers and love for the days ahead. Many great memories you have to cherish. She is with your dad now and you know they are healed and happy. â¤ï¸
Ewanda Shipman Young
Monday, October 17, 2022
You are all in my thoughts and prayers! Your mother was very special!
Nancy Cummings
Monday, October 17, 2022
Donna and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your sweet mother. I so remember the sleepovers (and her hospitality) that you had from time to time. Great memories. Prayers for you and your family.
Eddie, and Kathy Morrison
Monday, October 17, 2022
We send you all our deepest sympathy, and prayers. She was a nice lady.
Katherine Beavers Jones
Monday, October 17, 2022
Donna so sorry for your loss
I kept up with your mom through you .We pray for comfort and strength. For your family..