Martha Fae was born in Orange, Texas to Walter Lee Gunstream and Fannie Mae Winfree Gunstream on August 16, 1921. As the first born of three, she embraced the role of “oldest and wisest”, frequently sharing her childhood wisdom with her younger brother and sister.

Though her family moved several times throughout her childhood due to her father’s newspaper job, Martha’s heart remained in Orange and she longed to return. She graduated Port Neches High School in 1938 and completed her business degree at Port Arthur Business College. At age 18, Martha finally returned to her birthplace.

In her early 20s, she met a handsome cowboy at a social function and knew her life would never be the same. A four-year courtship ensued, mostly through the exchange of letters since her cowboy joined the Navy. Prior to deploying to serve in WWII, Curtis presented Martha with a ring, which she enthusiastically accepted.

One year later, Curtis returned, choosing to surprise his bride-to-be. Determined to put an end to their geographic separation, the couple wed twelve days later. February 2, 1946 marked the beginning of a nearly 68-year adventure that would make most fairy tales envious. Together, Curtis and Martha traveled untold miles, and at age 78, alongside Curtis and other family members, Martha boarded her first plane to visit Hawaii, completing their exploration of all 50 states. They caught salmon in Alaskan streams, viewed New York Harbor through Lady Liberty’s torch, survived jeep journeys on Colorado’s twisting mountain roads, and witnessed firsthand New England’s autumn splendor. It would be impossible to capture every adventure they shared, but Martha certainly tried! A love for photography was in her genes and she and her camera were rarely parted…a truth evidenced by the photo albums and slide carousels that fill her bookshelves and crowd her closets.

Martha was a woman whose heart had immeasurable depth, and she loved deeply and fully. Her zest for life, her genuine care for others, and her unwavering faith in her Savior were evident to all who met her. She was an active member of McDonald Memorial Baptist church for more than 60 years, serving as church secretary for 24 years. She was a beloved women’s Sunday School Teacher, a creative youth leader, and a committed advocate for world missions. She was passionate about sharing Christ’s love with others and promoted missions in her church well into her 80s. She taught by example, demonstrating through her daily actions how to honor God and love others. She embodied hospitality and truly shone when hosting parties and celebrating holidays. The roles of devoted wife, mother, and Mamaw came naturally to her, and her legacy of love has been shared with multiple generations.
Though her memory began to fade in her last few years, her smile never lost its brilliance, and she freely shared it with all who graced her home. Martha peacefully left this world for her heavenly home on January 18th. She is survived by her lifelong love, Curtis Armstrong; her sister, Bonnie Tompkins of Holly Lake Ranch, TX; daughters Beverly Jean (James) Burch of Grenada, MS and Judy Dianne (Bill) Brimm of Orange; as well as 4 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Walter Lee Gunstream, Jr.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 21st from 5 – 8pm at Claybar Funeral Home (located at 504 5th Street) in Orange. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, January 22nd at 10am at McDonald Memorial Baptist Church in Orange.

“Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: ‘There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”’