Faye Fern (First) Martin

Faye Fern Martin, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at the age of 96 years. She was born on September 30, 1926, in Hayward, California, to George Albert and Fannie Elizabeth (Elwell) First. Faye was a woman of faith, who touched the lives of many with her warm spirit and generous heart.

In 1932, the family moved to Tallant, Oklahoma, an oil field community in Osage county, where her father was postmaster and owned a grocery. In 1939, they moved again to Delaware, Oklahoma, where she graduated from high school in 1944 in a class of 12. She then pursued higher education at Oklahoma State University, then known as Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College, graduating in 1948.

Upon graduation, Faye moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she began her career as a secretary at Boston Avenue Methodist Church. It was in Tulsa that she met the love of her life, Glenn Martin, at a scavenger hunt. The couple married on June 25, 1949, and were blessed with two children, Lawrence and Glenna. In 1961, the family relocated to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, where they joined the First United Methodist Church and became active in Broken Arrow community events, and where friends came to be considered family. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

Faye and Glenn discovered a shared passion for square dancing when friends invited them to join a square dance club. They not only danced with local groups but also traveled to square dancing conventions in various states, enjoying new friendships along the way.

Faye is survived by her children, Larry Martin and Glenna Cooper; four grandchildren, Jacob Martin and his wife Stefanie, Martyn and husband Jason Widdoes, Molly and husband David Stephens, and Christy and husband Kurt White; and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn in 1992, and her parents, George Albert and Fannie Elizabeth First.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude and thanks to Miller Hospice and the Porta Caeli House.

Services celebrating Faye’s life will be at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at the First United Methodist Church in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma with Rev. Larry Varvel officiating. Faye will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Family and friends may share memories online at www.brownfamilycares.com. The family of Faye Fern Martin entrusted her care and services to Brown Funeral Home & Cremations, 231 E. Commercial Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012, 918-251-5331.