Cleta F Martin

Cleta Fern (Smith) Martin, a cherished resident of Shawnee for many years, peacefully departed from this life on Monday, April 1st, 2024 in Prague, OK. She was born on March 11th, 1931 to Clara Mae and Otis G. Smith. On June 13th, 1948 she married the love of her life, Vernon Martin, and they shared 69 wonderful years of happiness together until his passing. 

Cleta and Vernon were not just partners in life but also business owners. They owned and operated Martin Grocery from 1956 to 1980, having a lasting impact on their community. Cleta was a dedicated member of the University Baptist Church since 1946, where she spent over 40 years teaching in the children’s department, nurturing young minds with love and compassion.

In addition to her community involvement, Cleta was a successful real estate agent in the Shawnee area from 1982 to 1998. She had a passion for travel and exploring new places, embarking on adventures across 48 states, Canada, Mexico, and Europe with Vernon by her side. 

Cleta was preceded in death by her parents, Otis and Clara Smith, her brother and sister in law Bill and Chris Smith, her sister and brother in law Jo and Grant Dockrey, sister in law Blanche Martin, and brother in law Carl Martin. 

She is survived by her daughter Beverly (BJ) Smith of Prague, son James Martin and his wife Teresa of Shawnee, six cherished grandchildren, Summer and Brian Yort of Shawnee, Jaime and Matthew Reynolds of Mcloud, Logan and Carolann Martin of Shawnee, Tara and John Martin of Prague, Steven Stone of Paden, Richard and Shakira Stone of Paden, eleven great grandchildren Jaxson Reynolds, Makenzie Yort, Max Reynolds, Langston Yort, Connor Martin, Everly Martin, Lainey Martin, Brandon Stone, Rhiannon Stone, Nathan Stone, and Matthew Stone, and great great granddaughter Frankie Reynolds. 

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at McElyea and Owens Funeral Group on Tuesday, April 2nd from 3 PM to 7 PM.and Wednesday, April 3rd from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 4th, at 10 AM at University Baptist Church in Shawnee, OK, followed by burial at Resthaven Memorial Park.

The family expresses gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Parkland Manor Nursing Home in Prague, OK, for their kindness and support during Cleta’s final year. 

Cleta’s legacy of love, faith, and adventure will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Arrangements and services are provided by McElyea and Owens Funeral Group.

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