Martha Ann Holley (Stansell), 84, of Dallas peacefully completed her earthly journey May 29, 2023 with sunlight dancing in the room surrounded by those who loved her. Martha was born on June 26, 1938 to Addreanne and Weldon Stansell in Cisco, Texas. Martha spent her childhood in Gladewater, Texas. While attending Gladewater High School, Martha shined as a National Honor student, a cheerleader and a Sunday school teacher at the Methodist Church. She went on to represent Gladewater as Gladewater's Queen on East Texas Day at the State Fair of Texas. After graduation in 1956, she attended Texas Christian University where she was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity. After graduating in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, she started her first job at Fort Worth ISD as a 3rd grade teacher, kick starting a 14 year teaching career. After retiring from teaching, Martha spent years traveling with Dallas Fan Fares, an event planning company. From Super Bowls, Final Fours to The Masters, Martha's infectious personality made her known and loved by all. In 1964, Martha met the love of her life, Ron Holley at the Cimarron Dance at the Dallas Country Club. They married July 31, 1965 and went on to have two children, Brad and Kara. Their love endured for 57 years. Martha loved shopping - whether it be a trip overseas to secure the best antiques, a day spent scouring Estate Sales, or the many hours she spent rummaging through the racks at TJ Maxx. Martha also spent a lot of time and found immense joy volunteering, playing cards and spending time with friends. Martha embodied kindness, grace, loyalty, selflessness and a love for the Lord. She was a symbol of strength and stability. They say beauty is as beauty does, and Martha surely did. She showed up in every moment that counted for each and all of her family and close friends. She cheered on her grandchildren through countless sporting events, celebrated her friends and family through engagements, weddings, and babies; loving and visiting friends through hard times and in sickness. Martha lived her life and loved her family and friends with fierceness and devotion. Martha was reunited with her parents, brother, George, sister, Brenda and numerous lifelong friends. She is survived by her loving husband, Ron, their son Brad Holley and his wife Julie, their daughter Kara Baergen and her husband John, and those lucky enough to call her Nana; Taylor Holley and his fianc, K'lee Schwartz, Gracie Baergen, Brenna Holley, Johnny Baergen, Bradford Holley, Audrey Baergen and her two great grandchildren, Noah and Tristan Holley and many other extended family members. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 30th at 2 pm at Slate at II Creeks, 2701 Custer Parkway, Richardson, Texas 75080. In lieu of flowers, in true Martha fashion, go forth and brighten the day for someone in need of a smile and a visit.

Arrangements under the direction of:

Aria Cremation service and Funeral Home

19310 Preston Road

Dallas, Texas 75252

214-306-6700