Gloria Jean Jackson Ellis Martin

GLORIA JEAN JACKSON ELLIS MARTIN 1927 - 2007 GLORIA JEAN MARTIN,80, of Austin, was called by our Heavenly Father to her Eternal home early Monday afternoon September 10, 2007. She passed away peacefully in her sleep with her devoted husband and caregiver Charlie Martin at her bedside. Born on July 8, 1927 to Leroy and Alice Jackson in Houston, Texas, where she grew up and graduated from Jeff Davis High School in the class of 1944. She spent most of her adult life in Houston and Midland, before moving to the Lakeway area of Austin in 1990. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, L.O. Jackson, her daughter, Jackie Lynn Murphy, and her son-in-law, Dr. Mike Freels. Gloria is survived by her loving husband, Charles R. Martin; daughter, Linda Ellis-Vessells and son-in-law, Jim Vessells of Austin; son, Jay W. Ellis and daughter-in-law, Carol Ellis of League City; daughter, Rita Freels and her life partner, R.J. Hampton of Stephenville; and her nephew, Ronnie Jackson of Houston. Also, she had 12 beloved grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. The grandchildren are: Summer and Jason San Miguel and Jimmy Vessells, of Austin; Teri Ellis of Houston and Jay Ellis of Seabrook; Shane and Monica Freels and their four children of Allen; Korey and Jamie Freels and their three children of Conroe; Amber and Casey Butaud and their two children of Conroe; Jake Freels of Stephenville; Charity and Scott Paoli and their three children of Orlando, FL; Jessica and Jeff Cowart and their two children of Spring; Heather Murphy and C.J. Murphy of Pearland. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and good friend to many. She enjoyed a full and vibrant life. Before her illness, Gloria loved playing golf, fishing, dancing, watching Round Rock Express baseball games and, she was a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, September 13, 2007 at SouthPark Funeral Home, 1310 North Main Street, Pearland, Texas, (281) 485-2711. A service to celebrate her life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 14, 2007 at SouthPark Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Meeks of Lindale Assembly of God officiating. Interment will follow at SouthPark Funeral Home and Cemetery. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Capital of Texas Chapter in Austin. Arrangements under the care of Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 W. William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas 78749, (512) 892-1172.