Martha Love Brindley Beckworth's Obituary
Martha Love Brindley Beckworth 1943-2024
Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, sister-in-law and friend, Martha Love Brindley Beckworth, 80, passed away on June 12, 2024, in Longview, Texas. Born in Rochester, Minnesota, on October 20, 1943, to Dr. George Valter Brindley, Jr. and Cleo Love Brindley, she grew up in Temple, Texas, with her sisters, Beverly and Joan, and many wonderful cousins and extended family members who shared Sunday picnic lunches and pony rides together after church each week. It was an idyllic childhood filled with dear friends with whom she remained close until her passing.
Martha was graduated from Temple High School where she was a cheerleader for the Temple Wildcats and salutatorian of her graduating class. She went on to the University of Texas at Austin where she graduated with a bachelor of science in fashion merchandising from the School of Home Economics. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority where she was President her senior year. At UT she made wonderful lifelong friends and met the love of her life, Lindley Garrison Beckworth, Jr. Martha and Gary were married on July 23, 1966 and enjoyed a long and loving marriage until his passing in July 2019. Together they raised two daughters, Melissa and Allison, and had four grandchildren, Caroline, Thomas, Garrison and Mary Martha. “Mimi” was devoted to and so proud of her girls and her grandchildren. Forever an optimist and so much fun, her children and grandchildren loved her as much as she loved them. She was their biggest supporter and a very special part of each of their lives.
Martha also received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Mary Hardin - Baylor. While Gary was in law school in Austin, Martha taught elementary school. When they settled in Longview, Martha devoted herself to raising her children and later became a realtor. She worked for Lenhart Properties and later Suzanne Cook and Company and at both enjoyed the camaraderie of wonderful colleagues and clients.
Having lived in Longview for nearly 60 years, Martha loved and was loved by her community. She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church and The Junior League of Longview, where she served as President. She had a bridge group she enjoyed for many years and was involved in The Green Thumb Garden Club and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae Association. She was a past member of Pinecrest and Oak Forest Country Clubs and Longfellows. Martha had a group of friends that anyone would be lucky to have, friendships that endured for almost 60 years, through good times and bad. She will be missed terribly by her family and friends, but we find solace in knowing that she is in the loving arms of her Savior and reunited with Gary and her parents.
Martha was predeceased by her parents, Dr. and Mrs. G.V. Brindley, Jr. and her husband, Lindley Garrison Beckworth, Jr. She is survived by her daughters, Melissa Beckworth Rabalais and husband, Robert Rene Rabalais, and Dr. Allison Beckworth Readinger and husband, Dr. Robert Mitchell Readinger. She is also survived by the joys of her life, her grandchildren, Robert Garrison Rabalais, Mary Martha Love Rabalais, Caroline Love Readinger and Thomas James Readinger, and her sisters Beverly Brindley Griffith and husband Dr. Donald Paul Griffith, and Joan Harriet Brindley. She is also survived by members of Gary’s family whom she loved dearly, her sisters and brothers-in-law, John Barney Beckworth and wife Laura Hobby Beckworth, Linda Louise Beckworth, Bettie Peebles Beckworth, Michael Peck, Douglas Wiley and many cherished nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by her beloved mother and father-in -law, Mr. and Mrs. Lindley Garrison Beckworth, Sr., sister-in-law, Mary Beckworth Peck, and brother-in-law, Carter Otis Beckworth.
A private family graveside service was held on Monday June 17, 2024 at 2 pm at Rosewood Park Cemetery; a memorial service in celebration of Martha’s life will be held at 2 pm on Friday, July 19th, at First United Methodist Church in Longview, Texas.. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church or the Hiway 80 Rescue Mission, or the charity of your choice.
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