Martha Ivey Bryan

Martha Nell (Ivey) Bryan, 80, made her glorious entrance into eternity on August 24, 2026, at her home in Midway, Texas. Martha was born in Crockett, Texas to proud parents, Earnest Freeman and Ethel (Starns) Ivey on November 29, 1945.

Martha was raised in the Midway community and went to school there until the ninth grade when she began to attend Madisonville Highschool where she graduated in May of 1964. Soon after, Martha got married and moved to Houston, Texas before moving back to Midway in 1969 with her two oldest sons in tow.

After arriving back at the place she knew as home, she met the love of her life, Terry Glenn Bryan, and they were soon married in 1971. They were richly blessed with many years together and from their marriage God blessed them with one daughter and one son. They celebrated their fifty-year anniversary on November 26, 2021, and enjoyed almost fifty-three years before her husband's passing in 2024.

Martha enjoyed gardening and canning veggies. She will also be remembered as a fantastic cook who operated a small café there in Midway on and off for several years. Her chicken fried steak was the best around, a true local favorite. Martha had many passions that were often centered around caring for others. She was a godly servant who led worship at New Life Church in Midway, where she co-pastored, taught others and ministered to those in need.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Terry Glenn Bryan; three sisters, Marie Selman, Earnestine Coleman and Alene Drake; two brothers, Samuel and Tommy Doyle Ivey, and brother-in-law, Patrick H. Wakefield.

Those left to cherish her sweet memory are her sons, Bubba Thomas, Scott Thomas and Terry Paul Bryan; daughter, Shanna Shaw; brother, Dennis Ivey (Carolyn); sister, Adna Hawthorne; a plethora of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, other extended family and loving friends.

Martha loved her family and God with all her heart. She was truly an instrument of the Lord’s righteousness used in mighty ways to show the love of Christ to many. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

A service honoring Martha, officiated by Bro. Gary Bynum and Bro. Dennis Ivey will be held in the chapel of the Madisonville Funeral Home on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 10 A.M. followed by burial in the Midway Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Thursday evening, August 27, 2026, from 5 P.M. till 7 P.M. also in the chapel of the Madisonville Funeral Home.

Final arrangements for Martha Nell (Ivey) Bryan are under the compassionate care and direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.