Martha (Wilson) Castlebury

With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of Martha Syble Castlebury, longtime resident of Deport, Texas.  Martha passed away peacefully on October 31, 2023, at her residence in Deport, Texas. She was 91 years old.

Martha was born on May 18, 1932, in Red River County, to her late parents, Charles and Vera Lackey Wilson. She grew into a young businesswoman with determination and strong business acumen. She married Roy Castlebury on March 28, 1973, and together they enjoyed 50 years of marriage.

She was very active in the 70's and 80's with the League of Women Voters, Altrusa, and was an active lobbyist for nursing home reformation.

Martha received her nursing degree in 1962 and always had the fondest memories of working with the sisters at St. Joseph's Hospital in Paris. She dedicated her life to health care and found her calling in 1965 when she became the owner of Deport Nursing Home.  For over 40 years and with unwavering dedication, she provided care and support to countless individuals, offering comfort and excellent care to both residents and their families. Martha was an expert bridge player, earning her life gold master’s degree in 1982 and remained a competitive player and bridge teacher for over 50 years.  During her lifetime, she had a love of needle point, crocheting, sewing, fishing, and coin and antique collecting, but a good bridge game was ultimately her favorite thing.

Her professional life was one of success and fulfillment as was any business venture she undertook.

She leaves behind her son Benny (Marilyn Crawford) and daughter Frankye (Billy Sessums), as well as her grandchildren Theresa Stephens, Jesse Crawford, Katha Hudson, Chance Crawford, B.A. Sessums, Breah Sessums, Marti Chumbley, Bryan Gifford, and Jeanna Smith.

In addition to her children and grandchildren, Martha was blessed with 14 great-grandchildren and numerous great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her faithful caregiver, Esmerelda Brodie. Her love for baking bread will always be a treasured memory for each one of them.

Martha was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roy Lee Castlebury, her daughters Charlene Borders and Bobbi Gifford, and her son Mitch Castlebury. She also sadly experienced the loss of her grandchildren Mike Borders, Julye Sessums, and Amanda Crawford, as well as her siblings Jennie Womack and Bob Wilson.

A private burial service will be held on November 5, 2023, at County Road 1155 in Rugby, Texas, at the family cemetery, Homeward Bound. The family would like to thank Chambers Hospice and Home Health staff for their dedicated care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be to the charity of your choice. Wood-Haggard Funeral Home in Deport is in charge of her services.

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