Wilda Emma Martin - Labrie-Claybar

Wilda Martin, 84, of Bridge City, died Wednesday, February 20, 2013, at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont.

Born in Port Arthur, Texas, on December 24, 1928, Wilda was the daughter of Edward and Olive Maloz Rau. She attended St. Mary's Catholic School and graduated in 1947. Wilda then married Lewis Martin of Port Arthur on February 24, 1951. They celebrated 61 years together. Wilda and Lewis built their home in Bridge City, Texas in 1953. She was a homemaker and very involved in her children's activities. Wilda was a Room Mother and also a Campfire Leader. She enjoyed camping with her family for many years. Wilda and Lewis enjoyed traveling and took many train trips. She was a member of St. Henry's Catholic Church in Bridge City since 1953 and belonged to the Altar Society for many years. Lewis and Wilda were most proud of volunteering for the 1983 church remodeling. Wilda was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and will be missed very much.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Francis Edward Martin; sisters, Verna Blankenship and Velma Majors; and daughter-in-law, LuAnne Martin.

Wilda is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Anna and Conrad Graffagnino; son, Willie Ray Martin of Streator, Illinois; grandchildren, Rachel Bowden, Michael Graffagnino, Grace and Marguerite Martin; great-granddaughters, Aireana, Destiny, and Sadie; sisters-in-law; Claire Daigle and Lucille Dionne; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass will be 2pm, Friday, February 22, 2013, at St. Henry Catholic Church in Bridge City. Officiating will be Reverend Steven Leger. Burial will follow at Orange Forest Lawn Cemetery in West Orange.

Visitation will be from 4pm to 8pm, Thursday at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City with a Rosary recited at 5pm.

Serving as pallbearers will be Conrad and Michael Graffagnino, Mike Guidroz, Willie Martin, Charles and Gerald Blankenship.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Henry's Memorial Fund; 475 W. Roundbunch Rd., Bridge City, Texas 77611.

Condolences

Anonymous March 8, 2013

We send our prayers and love to you on the loss of your dear mother. Your father and my husband's grandmother, Anna Elizabeth Martin,were brother and sister. Families grow far apart but the tie always binds in some way. Faye Milliken Dallas, Tex##imported-begin##Frank and Faye Milliken##imported-end##

Anonymous March 8, 2013

My condolences are just as sincere even though I made a one generation mistake! Lewis was Frank's grandmother's newphew!##imported-begin##Faye Milliken##imported-end##

Anonymous March 8, 2013

Though I did not have the privilege of meeting Wilda face-to-face, I did enjoy several phone conversations with her. She was my Great Aunt, the younger sister of my grandmother, Velma Rau Majors. Because I was relatively young when my grandmother passed##imported-begin##Floyd Heims##imported-end##

Anonymous February 22, 2013

I would like to offer my condolences to the Martin Family and share some word of comfort because life can be so overwhelming at this time. The pain, the grief, and the feeling of hopelessness can be so unbearable. We pray that you can find comfort in fam##imported-begin##R.Alexander##imported-end##

Anonymous February 21, 2013

We had some Great times camping out at Dam-B with Mrs.Wilda,Mr. Louie,Franny,Anna and Willie when we were little...Our prayers are with Anna,Willie and all Mrs.Wilda's family and friends...Rest-In-Peace Sweet Lady...##imported-begin##Bonnie Ballard Gillard##imported-end##

Anonymous February 21, 2013

Dear Anna and family, I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. She and your Dad were long time friends with my parents and I remember visiting with them when I was young. Our Dad's served together during WWII and had many good memories to s##imported-begin##Alix Marquart Jennusa##imported-end##