Martha E Willeford

Martha E. Willeford passed away peacefully at the age of 98 on July 2, 2026, at her home in Chisholm Trail Assisted Living in Duncan, Oklahoma.

If the Bible had photographs, surely a picture of Martha would be used to illustrate verses about the character of a Godly woman, as she embodied the passage in Proverbs 31:28-29: "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all."

Born in Wichita Falls, Texas, Martha grew up and graduated from high school in Duncan and later became a licensed cosmetologist. It was there that she met Gene Willeford, her husband of 47 years and the love of her life, whom she married in February 1948 after dating for just a few months. After Gene graduated from seminary in 1953, they began a life of ministry together that led them to serve churches throughout Oklahoma, Texas, and California. They made many friends, blessed countless lives, and had numerous adventures along the way.

While being a faithful pastor's wife, Martha also found another calling in education. She put into action the words of Jesus when He said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 19:14). She earned bachelor's and master's degrees in education and used this training to teach elementary students for more than three decades - eventually being recognized as Teacher of the Year in Oklahoma in 1993-94. Like Jesus, she often focused on the least among us and was particularly skilled at teaching students who needed special attention and encouragement.

Martha is now reunited in Heaven with family who preceded her in death, including her husband, Gene Willeford, son, Michael Willeford, and daughter, Peggy Bunce. The family she leaves behind will miss her dearly: a daughter-in-law (Deni Willeford), five grandchildren (Kristin Hopper, Sean Willeford, Keri Miller, Todd Bunce, Monica Laschsen) and their spouses, eight great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will take place on August 1 at 10:30 a.m. at Connection Church Marlow, in the Chapel. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may provide donations to PRIME Ministries (www.prime-ministries.org <https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r01/___ href="http://www.prime-ministries.org___.YXAzOndoaXR0ZnVuZXJhbGhvbWU6YzpvZmZpY2UzNjVfZW1haWxzX2F0dGFjaG1lbnQ6NTViODE2NTdjMjgwNzI3YTFiODVkMDcxYWMyNGMyOGE6Nzo4ZDM5OmFlOTM4N2ZhYmE1YjIzOGY3OTcxMWQxNGVmYTBiZmQ1MDBmZDE4N2QzZjM2MjY5ZDcxZDZhYWM0YmIyNjY4Zjk6cDpUOkY>)." target="_blank">http://www.prime-ministries.org___.YXAzOndoaXR0ZnVuZXJhbGhvbWU6YzpvZmZpY2UzNjVfZW1haWxzX2F0dGFjaG1lbnQ6NTViODE2NTdjMjgwNzI3YTFiODVkMDcxYWMyNGMyOGE6Nzo4ZDM5OmFlOTM4N2ZhYmE1YjIzOGY3OTcxMWQxNGVmYTBiZmQ1MDBmZDE4N2QzZjM2MjY5ZDcxZDZhYWM0YmIyNjY4Zjk6cDpUOkY>).

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. [17] For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, [18] as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

Arrangements are being handled by Whitt Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.whittfh.com.

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