Helen Lois Mickle Martin's Obituary
Helen Lois Mickle Martin went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 13, 2021, surrounded by her loved ones.
She was born June 18, 1928, in Marietta, Ohio to Lester and Mary Mickle. She was the second of three children including older brother Paul and younger brother Scott.
Growing up, she loved playing her trumpet, softball and going to the movies with her best friend JoAnn. She was valedictorian of her Galena High School Class of 1946. She continued her education at Ohio Wesleyan and Bliss Business College.
With her younger brother Scott traveling to LeTourneau University in 1950 for college, she, as well as their parents, moved to Texas.
While working at Ben E. Keith, she met the love of her life, Richard. They married on October 3, 1953 and their union lasted 54 years until his death in 2007. They were blessed with two children, Michele and Doug. Helen and Richard enjoyed attending football games including: the 1953 and 54 Cotton Bowls, as well as having Longview Lobo season tickets for over 50 years.
She worked for Humble Pipeline in the late 50’s where she met lifelong friend, Retha Webb. Her career with McDaniel’s Quality Body Works began in 1965 and ended with her retirement in 2005. She also worked part-time in the 60’s and 70’s for Longview Savings and Loan where she met another friend for life, Dessie Mitchell.
In her spare time, she loved, as she called it, “retail therapy” and traveling. She, and her best friend, June Killingsworth, were either on the road to Branson or following the Tennessee Lady Vols to the Final Four. She was a faithful member of The First United Methodist for 60 plus years. She enjoyed the “Forever 21” club and playing bingo at East Texas Professional Credit Union.
If the grandkids were playing any kind of sport or school activity, she was there. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the lights of her life.
Helen is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Paul and husband Richard.
She is survived by: her daughter, Michele Martin and wife Gloria Stafford of Longview, son Doug Martin and wife Kristal of Gilmer; grandchildren: Jonathan(Kimberly), Paul and Jared Fitch, all of Longview, Maddison Evans and Karson Martin of Gilmer; Great-grandchildren: Jon David, Todd and Baby Fitch(due in March) of Longview; Brother: Scott(Judy) Mickle of Avon Park, Florida; Nieces: Paula(Blaine) Young of Gahanna, Ohio, Teri(Chris) Donaghy of Port Saint Lucie, Florida, Sharon Akin of Tyler andLinda Menzies of Houston; Nephews: Gary(Jayne) Mickle of Jeromesville, Ohio, Bodie(Kay) Martin of Flint, Richard(Joyce) Shuford of Long Beach, California, Robert Martin of Houston; special great nephew, Scott Roberts and his family: Gavin, Mason and Elliott of Gahanna, Ohio; as well as a host of other great nieces and nephews and friends.
The Martin Family would like to thank Prime Care Hospice; especially, Mary Ann, Amanda and Elsie for taking special care of our mother during her last days at home.
Funeral services for Mrs. Martin will be held on Monday, February 22, 2021 at 2pm in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Longview. A visitation will be held the hour prior to service. Mrs. Martin will be laid to rest at Memory Park in Longview TX.
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