Martha Sparks (Vanover) Ferrill passed away November 9, 2021. She was born in Beaumont, Texas to Homer and Willimae Sparks; and was a 6^th generation Texan, her ancestors being parts of the Old Three Hundred that came to Texas with Stephen F. Austin. The first four years of her education were in Jacksonville, Texas. After moving back to Beaumont, she graduated from Beaumont High School in 1956 and attended Lamar University, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Education and English. She later returned to Lamar and received a Master’s degree in School Administration. Martha had good memories of the students she taught for 25 years in Beaumont Independent School District and 5 years in the Clear Creek District in Houston. After retiring in 1992, she and her husband moved to Granbury, Texas, where she enjoyed life with friends and organizational activities. She also enjoyed playing Bridge, reading, knitting, and other types of hand-work. Through the years, she served as president of many of the organizations to which she belonged: Future Homemakers of American, Delta Zelta sorority, Delta Kappa Gamma teachers society, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and Chapter GV, P.E.O. She was raised a Methodist and sang in the church choirs, played the organ and piano, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and served a term on the board of Stewards; but spent the last 23 years in the Presbyterian Church where she enjoyed the various Church Women’s Groups.

She is survived by Kathryn Habluetzel and husband Wally, Donna Stowe, Lee Ferrill, Toni Ferrill, Edie Ferrill, Veneise Bame and husband Kevin, as well as 16 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Howard Ferrill, and her parents, Homer Sparks and Willimae Braswell.

A memorial will be held at the Presbyterian Church in Granbury on Friday, November 12, 2021, at 3:00 PM.