Martella Crisp

Martella Turner Crisp, 90, answer Gods call on Friday, October 24, 2014 at her home. Homegoing celebration will be Saturday, November 1, 2014 at 10:00 am at King Solomon Baptist Church, 1050 Minda Street, Abilene, Texas 79602, The family will receive friends at King Solomon Baptist Church, Friday, October 31, 2014 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park.

Martella Turner Crisp was born November 26, 1924 to the union of Delbert C. Turner and Lou Ella Phillips Turner in Fort Worth, Texas. She was the fourth of eleven siblings born to this marriage.

After several years in Fort Worth, the family moved to Bolivar, Texas and later settled in Sanger, Texas. As the family became comfortable with their surroundings, the small city life and friendly neighbors were an alluring factor which influenced their decision to consider Sanger home. While in the city of Sanger, young Martella attended the one room public school for Black children as often as she could, when she and the family were not picking or chopping cotton. Martella
accepted Christ as her personal savior at an early age having been taught the importance and meaning of salvation by her loving parents. She was baptized at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Sanger, and began to take an active role in furthering her understanding of the Bible and participating in various church activities.

In the fall of 1943, Martella was introduced to Robert Carl Crisp, Sr., a handsome and dashing young man from Ardmore, Oklahoma who had come to Sanger seeking employment. She was impressed with how meticulously he dressed, when he wore those expensive pinstriped suits coordinated with starched shirts and beautiful ties to say nothing of his constant ingratiating smile whenever they met. Not being able to resist his charm, they soon fell in love and were united in holy matrimony on April 17, 1944.

During their marital years in Sanger, seven children were born to this developing family. The eighth and last child arrived after the family moved to Abilene, Texas in 1955. While in Abilene, Martella worked for several clients as a housekeeper and the Abilene Country Club as a waitress. She was a tireless and dedicated worker who took pride in everything she did. She always taught her children the importance of completing projects in an efficient and timely manner.

Martella was a believer and strong advocate for education. She strongly believed every child, regardless of color, should have access to equal educational opportunities. She was a proud member of the Woodson High School Band Booster Club and participated in every activity sponsored by the PTA. Every teacher at Woodson Elementary and Woodson High School was acquainted with her and knew her as a no nonsense parent. Although her education was limited in scope, she possessed an impeccable knowledge of what should be covered in each of her childrens classroom. Because of her assertive involvement with the schools, her children were always on their best behavior. There was never a program her children participated in where she was not present.

Martella was a loyal and faithful member of Antioch C.M.E. Church for more than 50 years. She served in numerous capacities including the Steward Board, Pastoral Anniversary Committee, Church Anniversary Committee and the Annual Harvest Tea Committee. Martella was initiated into the Queen Esther Chapter 917 of the Order Of The Eastern Star, September 21, 1981. She was honored with her selection as Mother of The Church by the Antioch congregation in 2012. Recently, she was awarded the distinguished Stewardess of The Year Award presented by the Northwest Texas Conference in June 2014.

On Friday, October 24, 2014, our beloved Mother, Grandmother, GreatGrandmother, Sister and Aunt answered Gods call. She was preceded in death by her parents, Delbert and Lou Ella Turner, nine siblings, beloved first born child, Ruby Jewel Crisp and other beloved relatives. Martella leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of 70 years, Robert Carl Crisp, Sr. children, Dr. Robert Carl Crisp, Jr. Carolyn, Melva L. Frazier, Dorothy Crisp Johnson, Clyde Crisp Jackie, Dennis Crisp Rosa, Harold Crisp Barbara and Ralph Crisp sister, Mae Ella Mitchell 19 grandchildren 32 great grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

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