Kelly Christine O’Niel Martinez, 55, of Houston/Clear Lake, Texas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 25, 2023, at 1:34 PM surrounded by her loved ones. She fought a valiant battle after receiving a heart and liver transplant. Kelly had suffered with a congenital heart disease all her life and fought so hard for the transplants so she could live a healthy life.

Her fun-loving personality and devotion to her family and friends will always be remembered.  Kelly was deeply committed to her faith and showed she was a true child of God in heart, spirit, and life’s work.

Kelly was born on December 19,1967 to LaQuetta Ann Szenasi O’Niel and Daniel Mark O’Niel in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After Kelly graduated from Newman Smith High School in Carrollton, Texas, she pursued a degree in Recreational Therapy at University of North Texas.  Kelly spent much of her professional career as a Director of Activities and Resident Programs for Senior Living and Family Communities. Recently, she had been working in a dental office as a recare appointment coordinator. Kelly’s compassion and kindness was overwhelming, and she was always ready to volunteer her time and devote her heart to her many pursuits, which included loving family, friends, and coworkers. Many lives have been deeply touched by her.

In 1999, Kelly met Cecilio Martinez while working at Bering Omega Community Services.    They dated 3 months before they married. When you know, you know, is what they said.  Happily married for 23 years. Kelly and Cecilio have been faithful members of Clear Lake Bible Church since 2002.

In her spare time, she enjoyed square dancing with the Friendswood, Texas Hanger Squares Club. She loved to cook, entertain, organize, card craft, do all kinds of crafts, research for camping trips they took, along with playing games of all kinds which she learned from her Stepdad, Rick Morton.

Kelly was predeceased by her father, Daniel Mark O’Niel, stepfather Rick Morton, her maternal grandparents, Mary and Bud Szenasi, paternal grandparents, Patricia (Pat) O’Niel, Jerry and Eleanor O’Niel, great paternal grandparents, Ella (Little Gran) and John Lindsey and Uncle, Bob Szenasi.  She is survived by her husband, Cecilio Martinez, mother, LaQuetta Szenasi Morton, brother Tim O’Niel, Aunts and Uncles Paula and Mike O’Niel and Jeri Ann and Jerry Lee Jones.  Mother-in-law, Josefina Martinez, father-in-law, Perfecto Martinez, Martinez brothers-in-law, Augustin, Alejandro, Panfilo, Enrique, Estevan, Edgar, Felipe, and Martin.  Martinez sisters-in-law, Benita, Silvia, Julia, and Guillermina. Cousins, Dana Jones Probert, Melissa Jones Bell, Jennifer O’Niel Milroy, Jeff Davis, Bobby Joe Szenasi and Natasha Szenasi Kendrix.  Many nieces, nephews, and loving friends.  Kelly had a very close bond with all her friend’s children. She was known as “Tia Kelly”.

There will be a Celebration of Kelly’s life on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at 4 PM at Clear Lake Bible Church, 622 El Dorado Blvd., Houston, Texas 77062, and a reception immediately following.  For those unable to attend, go to Clear Lake Bible Church website, click on the live-stream link at 4 PM.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project.