Obituary: Dolores M. Martin

Dolores M. Martin

     Mrs. Dolores M. Martin, 73, passed away Friday, May 20, 2011, while in Hospice Care at City Memorial Hospital. She suffered a brain stem stroke while visiting her mother in Mead, Oklahoma and never recovered. Dolores was born January 20, 1938 in Mead, Oklahoma. She graduated with honors from Mead High School. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Texas at Arlington, a Master’s degree in Finance from the University of North Texas, and is a graduate of The Wharton School of Business Securities Institute in Philadelphia. Dolores spent most of her business career in investment banking as a CFO and compliance officer for a regional investment banking firm in Fort Worth. She also served on its Board of Directors. While there she met Charles, the love of her life.

     Their work together bonded them as partners both in business and subsequently in marriage.

     Dolores had a distinguished business career which included among other things, being appointed as the first woman to serve as a securities arbitrator in this six state district, working cases in both Dallas and Houston. She was a regular attendant at The Securities Industry Executive’s Meetings in New York where she served on various industry committees. One of her business responsibilities was managing a very large multi- million dollar line of credit which was used to underwrite securities and provide construction and permanent financing for many of the largest churches in the United States. She liked to tell the story about the first time she met Jerry Falwell and their dining experience. Her job included supervising necessary compliance in securities rules and regulation of trading activities. Her firm was a member of the Midwest Stock Exchange. She did this as a single mom raising three children.

     Dolores loved Nacogdoches and especially loved her family, retiring here in 1994 with her husband Charles. She made many, many friends and was an active bridge player and golfer. She is a past President of Newcomers and Friends and was the current President of Dilante. She was an active supporter of Lumberjack and Ladyjack football and basketball. An easy person to know, it was a common thing for people who just met her to say,” Dolores, I feel like I have known you all my life.” She was a friend to all. Dolores was also a fabulous cook, loved to travel and was blessed to see much of this world. Dolores was a Christian and an active member of First Baptist Church, Nacogdoches.

     She is survived by her husband, Charles (Soap) Martin, who rightfully claims she was a blessing from God to him. She has three children all who survive her. Terry Mefford and wife, Debbie of Mead, Oklahoma; Talana Flanagan and husband, David of Clifton, Texas; and Todd Mefford and wife, Shelly of Clinton, Texas. Her mother, 91, still resides in Mead, Oklahoma. She has two step-children who also survive her; Melinda Martin of Dallas and Michael Martin and wife, Marilyn of Southlake, Texas. She is survived by thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

     Preceding her in death was her father, George Clinton Kiser who died in 1977; her brother, Gary Kiser; and sister, Linda Sue Ballard who both died this past year within 24 hours of each other.

     Pallbearers will be Terry Mefford, Todd Mefford, James Flanagan, Clint Mefford, Mark Mefford, and Austin Mefford.

     Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 22, 2011, from 2 until 4 pm at Laird Funeral Home . Funeral Service will held on Monday, May 23, 2011, at 10:30 am at First Baptist Church in Nacogdoches with Dr. Allen Read officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Nacogodches.

     In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in her name be made to the charity of your choice.

     To offer condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.lairdfh.net.

     The family of Dolores Martin is being served by Laird Funeral Home.