Laela Martin

Our dear wife, mother, and friend, Laela Faiz Martin of Haskell, Texas, died and was reunited with our heavenly Father on December 24, 2022, at 72.

She is survived by her husband, Philip; her children, Andrew and Katherine; her grandchildren, Dillon, Abigail, Hannah, and Daniel; her niece and nephew, Joe Mac AboulHosn and Kathy Dominguez.

Laela grew up in Rochester, Texas, where her parents owned a dry goods store. She moved to Abilene to attend Hardin Simmons University, where she met and fell in love with Philip Martin. The two were married on April 1, 1972. Within a few years, they moved to Haskell, TX, to live and raise a family. She eventually completed her education to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse and, through many decades, worked on healing and supporting the residents of Haskell County.

Laela was an artist who loved to paint and create greeting cards and scrapbooks. She won several awards and had articles published in craft magazines. She made hundreds of friends by sharing her love of art.

Laela was devoted to God and searched for his direction her entire life. She was an active part of Faith Chapel in Rochester, Texas, and loved her Emmaus community, participating until her health prevented her from traveling.

Laela loved to travel and see new things and took every opportunity to road trip with friends or travel to New York to explore.

Laela's greatest loves were her husband of over 50 years, her children, grandchildren, and those she mothered through the years. She was a caregiver and confidant to many, and her loving spirit was a beacon to those who were hurt or troubled.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at Faith Chapel Church, Rochester, TX, with Rev. Randy Hollingsworth officiating under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes.

The family asks, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to your local hospice or Hospice of Wichita Falls.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.smithfamilyfh.com.