Louise Martin

Louise Pendleton Carr Martin, affectionately known as “LuLu,” 88, of Mexia, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2026. Louise was born February 2, 1938, in San Antonio to Robert Wentworth Carr Jr. and Helen Franks Carr.

She grew up in San Antonio alongside her brother, Robert Wentworth Carr III, and graduated from Alamo Heights High School before heading to The University of Texas at Austin, where she studied Home Economics. She eventually “saw the light” and transferred to Baylor University, where she earned her degree in Business Education. As a young professional, Louise had the opportunity to intern in Washington, D.C., in the Lyndon B. Johnson administration, all while maintaining a long-distance courtship with Holloway.

Louise married Holloway John Martin Jr. in 1964. They made their home in Mexia, where they raised their children, Doug and Ellen. For 40 years, Louise worked by Holloway’s side as his paralegal and office manager, helping keep both the law office and Holloway in order until their retirement in 2017. They shared a lifetime of service, laughter, family, and friendship before his passing in 2020.

A woman of strong faith, and quick wit, Louise had a way of making everyone around her feel like one of her own. There were so many things that endeared her to those who knew her: her devotion to her family, her willingness to serve, her sense of humor and her ability to offer sound advice with a wisecrack close behind.

Louise was a longtime faithful member of First Baptist Church of Mexia, where she taught first-grade Sunday school for more than 25 years and sang in the choir. She especially enjoyed singing in the annual Easter pageants. Louise served wherever she saw a need at church, from search committees to the children’s ministry. Later, after moving to the Dallas area, she became a member of First Baptist Church Dallas and was a member of the Sonburst Sunday School Class. She served alongside Ellen in the pre-teen ministry at First Baptist Dallas, even weathering a wild and crazy summer of Vacation Bible School.

Louise once enjoyed ballroom dancing, was an avid golfer and played tennis, occasionally persuading Holloway to join her for mixed doubles. She enjoyed cooking, valued healthy living and took an active interest in her community. Through the Mexia Tennis Association and National Junior Tennis League, she supported opportunities for young people to learn the game, while spending many weekends driving Ellen to tournaments across Texas. She also served as Flag Committee Chairman for the Jonathan Hardin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Louise became the unofficial Team Mom to Ellen’s adult tennis team and most recently, was dubbed honorary Team Mom to Ellen’s Grapevine Faith High School tennis team. She rarely missed a home match and always had enthusiastic support for the players and Coaches.

Of all the roles she filled, being “LuLu” to her twin grandchildren, Emma and Jake, was among her most treasured. She taught them to make her famous “cat head” cinnamon rolls, drive her baby blue MG convertible and even how to dance to the Beer Barrel Polka. Time with LuLu always came with laughter, lessons and memories they will carry with them always.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Holloway John Martin Jr.; her son, John Douglas Martin; and her brother, Robert Wentworth Carr III.

Louise is survived by her daughter, Ellen Martin Ford and husband, Barry of Coppell, Texas; her grandchildren, Emma Ford and Jake Ford; Cousin, David Carr, of San Antonio and Cousin, Lynn Kinder of North Dakota.

Visitation with the family will be 12:00 -1:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.  A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., in the Faulkenberry Cemetery in Groesbeck with Reverend Marcus Sheffield officiating

A Celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 10am in the First Baptist Dallas.