Martha (Marty) Brown

Martha Ann “Marty” Brown 78, of Axtell, passed away on February 27, 2023.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10 AM, Friday, March 3, 2023, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 N. Robinson Dr. with Reverend Jeff Anz officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, starting at 9 AM on Friday, March 3, at the funeral home. A burial will follow at Axtell Cemetery.

Martha was born January 11th, 1945, in Waco, Tx. to the late Beatrice and John Tanksley Sr. She graduated from University High school in 1963. She married Charles David Brown, Sr. on December 20, 1968.

Shortly after graduating high school Marty began working in the insurance industry. She continued her career for over 50 years in insurance until her retirement at the age of 70 in 2015. Although Marty loved her work her true love and devotion was to her family and horses.

As a young girl, Marty went step for step with her daddy and loved anything to do with horses. After marrying David in 1968 they began joining in on local trail rides where they made many dear friends. Shortly thereafter she realized her love of the speed events in the arena and began competing. A few years later, this love of rodeo and competition led to her and David including their sons Jamie and Charlie. They spent many late nights hauling the boys to Jr. Rodeos for their competitions and took great joy and pride in their accomplishments. It was truly a family affair and Marty was in charge. She was a devoted mother and wife.

Marty raised, trained and competed on numerous horses for 55 plus years. A few of her favorites were Thunderbird, Dixie, Maggie Ruth and all the kids favorite, the legendary Ponytail. She especially loved sharing and teaching her love of horses and riding with children. She influenced, encouraged, and coached numerous kids over the years. She had many of her happiest moments in the arena with them. She was always so proud and loved to see her “kids” have success riding and competing.

Marty always the fierce competitor, competed in barrel races locally until her late 70’s Competing as recently as last year. She also dedicated many hours volunteering. She served many years as Treasurer for The West Fair & Rodeo association, and countless hours at local youth rodeos. But most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends, of which there were many.

Marty was preceded in death by her beloved husband Charles David Brown, her sons James Sexton Jr. and Charles David Brown, Jr. and her brother John “Bubba” Tanksley Jr.

Marty is survived by her granddaughter Jeren Kate Sexton, her sisters Louise Robinson and husband Roy, Linda Machalicek and husband Jimmy, niece Buffy Nehring and husband Matt and their children and grandchildren, Kaleb, Chelbie and Karter Nehring and Keeli and Teigen Tawney, along with many other nieces and nephews.

Marty is also survived by her extended family, Guardian Angel, Dale Wyatt, Christie Parker Anz and daughter Hannah, as well as Caye and Rickey Caves.

Pallbearers will be Pat Cammack, Hank Campbell, Kevin Curtis, Ricky Caves, Kyle Tucker, and Dayle Wyatt.
Honorary Pallbearers are David Smith, Coy Turner, Matt Nehring, Kaleb Nehring, Parnell McNamara, James Wills, and Kenny Tucker.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Providence Hospice and Ascension Providence Hospital for the love and care given to Marty.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Educators Credit Union account number 1835320 – Buffy Nehring. All donations will be sent in honor of Marty to Providence Hospice or your charity of choice.