of Houston, TX
November 21, 1926 - February 3, 2020
Martha Brooks O'Roark
November 21, 1926 to February 3, 2020
Martha Brooks O'Roark, age 93, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2020. She was born Martha Nell Brooks on November 21, 1926 in Paducah, Kentucky to Bedott Russell Brooks and Gordon Brooks. She married the love of her life, Jack Daniel O'Roark, on April 4, 1947, in Deering, Missouri. They were married for 53 years before Jack passed away August 5, 2000. Martha graduated from Reidland High School in Reidland, Kentucky, near Paducah. She received a BS in Education from Murray State University in Kentucky and Memphis State University in Tennessee. She went on to get her Master's degree in Education from University of Memphis in Tennessee. She taught school in Missouri and Arkansas and became the Principal at Marion Elementary School in Marion, Arkansas, her career spanning 35 years. Because of her love for children she was a natural and patient teacher. Her church was a very important part of her life. She made her profession of faith on July 5, 1936 at Reidland Methodist Church in Reidland, Kentucky.
She was preceded in death by: husband, Jack Daniel O'Roark; parents: Bedott and Gordon Brooks; siblings: Russell Brooks, Mary Anna Brooks, Howell Brooks and Dorothy Jean Brooks Wood; and son-in-law, Larry Maresh.
Martha is survived by: children, Daniel Brooks O'Roark and his wife Lou Ann of Houston, TX and Laurie Shannon O'Roark Maresh of Deanville, TX; two grandchildren, Sarah Brooks O'Roark Goodyear and her husband Ryan, of Fort Collins, CO. and Jack Parker O'Roark and his wife Payton, of The Woodlands, TX; three great grandchildren, Avery Michael Barlow, Cole Daniel Goodyear and Julia Ryan Goodyear all of Fort Collins, CO; nephews: Howell Edward Brooks of Fort Wayne, IN and Gordon Lewis Brooks of Three Rivers, MI; and nieces: Charlotte Brooks Wood Bonine of Arlington, TX, Jo Ann Pittman Young of Tulsa, OK and Nancy O'Roark Weir of Maumelle, AR.
The love of our mother is cherished and valued throughout our lives. She brought much joy, wisdom, strength and love into the lives of her children. She made sacrifices and gave her all to make the world a better place for her family. The light of her motherhood has been a blessing to all of us and has made us proud to have known her. She was loved by many, was adored by her family and leaves behind a legacy of love.
In lieu of flowers, please perform a random act of kindness today.
Visitation at 9 AM and funeral at 10 AM are on Friday, February 7, 2020, at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home, 405 S. Peabody Ave., Mountain View, AR 72560. Interment will follow at Flatwoods Cemetery in Mountain View, Arkansas.
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11 Condolence(s)
Beverly Bolden
Friday, February 7, 2020
Martha was a member of my Sunday School class at First Baptist Church. We enjoyed her company and she was very much missed when she moved to Texas. My condolences to family and friends.
Reginald Lynn Brown
Thursday, February 6, 2020
RIP, My 3rd Principal, condolences/sympathies to her family.
Joyce Liphford
Thursday, February 6, 2020
I will always cherish the sweet memories that I have of Martha.
She was a beautiful lady inside and out!
Beth Poe
Thursday, February 6, 2020
Cherish memories of times with Martha. She was a special lady - a mentor, a friend and a gracious Christian lady.
Carol Daniels
Thursday, February 6, 2020
Danny, Shannon and all,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I remember her well and can still hear her voice. Though I never was lucky enough to have been in her class, I still remember her as very kind. You were blessed to have had her for all these years. I pray that God will comfort you.
Nannette & OD Baker
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Mrs. O’Roark was always so caring and kind hearted. Such a beautiful person, inside & out. She was our principal for many years.
Praying for strength in abundance for the family.
Phil 4:13
Suzie Skillman
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Sorry to hear if your mother's passing. Praying for comfort and peace for your family.
Suzie Skillman
Lisa and John Heath
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
John and I have wondered so often over the years how to get in touch with her to check on her. Martha was a dear friend and colleague ; John considered her a second mother and she advised him on many things. We have missed her since she moved from Arkansas but I know the Lord has her now. â¤ï¸
Jo Ann Young
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Aunt Martha was a special person in my life. She always made me feel good about myself. Like I mattered. She never forgot my birthday for instance. And she even made me her Maid of Honor when she married Uncle Jack. I was always in awe of her talents as a seamstress. I respected her for many reasons and will miss getting reports from Danny and Shannon about her. Praying Gods Peace and Comfort for her sweet family. ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™
Janet Graves Cupit
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
She was one of the sweetest and most patient teachers. I know she touched many lives with her kindness and devotion to education.
Don & Sylvia Groce
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Shannon, Danny, Louann & Family,
Thoughts $ Prayers are with you all!
Love y’all
Don & Sylvia