Martha Ann Antoni

Martha Ann (Sims) Antoni, 85, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, in Corpus Christi, Texas. She will be fondly remembered for her wisdom, kindness, generosity, and grace along with her wicked sense of humor and joy for life.

Martha was born on February 26, 1940, in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee to James Ephraim Sims and Nina Madge (Smith) Sims, the second of four children. She loved growing up in a small town, spending the summers buying snacks at the corner store and at the creek teaching younger kids to swim. Martha was head cheerleader at Soddy-Daisy High School where Elvis Presley played at a sock hop before he was famous. She loved to dance, and as a teenager, once appeared on American Bandstand.

After high school she earned her nursing degree and began working at Baroness Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga. There she met the brilliant and accomplished Dr. Jose Ernesto (Tony) Antoni, who was drawn to her beauty and bright spirit. They married in 1961 and moved to Corpus Christi where Tony established a private practice in general medicine and surgery. Soon after, they welcomed the first of their three children, and she retired from nursing.

Martha made many contributions to her new home city. For 50 years she was a member of the Nueces County Medical Society Alliance, serving as president from 1982 to 1983. During that time, she co-founded Esperanza, which provided comfort and support to medical professionals. In the 1970s, Martha established Atlantic Leasing, through which she managed real estate investments over the course of 30 years.

Martha loved art, culture, and creativity. She was an enthusiastic supporter and subscriber of the Corpus Christi Symphony for more than five decades. She traveled extensively, exploring Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America.

Above all, Martha was a fiercely loyal family member and friend, always there for the many people who loved her. When you were with Martha, she made sure you knew you were loved. Her children are grateful for strength that she passed on to them. As a medical professional and a businesswoman, Martha was a bit ahead of her time. She instilled in each of her children a sense of independence, humor, and generosity of heart.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband Dr. J. E. (Tony) Antoni; parents, James and Nina Madge Sims; sister, Marilyn Rose Sims; and brother, James Leon Sims. She will be deeply missed by her surviving sister, Shirley Montez Clements, and her three children and their families; her children, Michelle Suzanne Antoni, James Maurice (Lorraine Ailene) Antoni, and Giselle Annette Antoni (Dana) Mullen; and her grandchildren, Sabrina Analise Antoni Mullen, Kristin Lorraine Knowlton, and Lindsey Kilyn Knowlton. She also leaves behind beloved nieces and nephews, as well as cherished, life-long friends.

A funeral service will begin at 1 PM on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Reid Chapel located within Seaside Memorial Park in Corpus Christi. Memorial gifts can be made to TMA Cares at www.texmed.org/donate.