Martha was born on June 21, 1940, in Greenville, Texas, to James Loyd Foley and Laura Melinda Turner Foley. She married the love of her life, John E. Morton, on May 29, 1960, in Greenville, Texas, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and community.
She loved traveling with her husband and, after his passing, continued exploring new places with her family. Martha enjoyed crafting and treasured the countless hours she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. An avid baseball fan, she especially loved the Texas Rangers and proudly visited every Major League Baseball stadium alongside her sister, Norma.
Martha began her career in 1965, working for Union Security in downtown Greenville for Joe B. Peters, where she would become his ''righthand man'' for decades. Joe B. Peters was also part-owner of Coker-Mathews-Peters Funeral Home at that time, this is where Martha would begin her work with the funeral home, handling insurance and pre-arranged funeral accounts. To say she was a longtime employee of Coker-Mathews Funeral Home is probably an understatement, she was a staple and their family, she loved going to work each day and considered her coworkers her second family too. Very few people can say they are stopping at Kwik Chek to get their Diet Dr. Pepper and head to work at 85 years old every day, but Martha can and did!
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Christie and David Murphy of Celeste; grandchildren Casey Murphy and Brandon Moss, Mitchell Murphy, Ashley Murphy, and Rachel Townes; great-grandchildren Truitt Murphy, Tayvin Moore, Ty Murphy, Regan Adams, and Makayla Townes; sister Norma Prisock; brother Sammy Foley; uncle Raymond Turner; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, John E. Morton; and her sisters, Nancy West and Claudine Chaney.
Pallbearers will be Jimmy Foley, Ronnie Foley, Tony Prisock, Larry Chaney, John Chaney, and David Blauvelt.
Honorary pallbearers are Fernando Estrella, Greg Coats, Butch Mitchell, Wayne Gilmore, Jordan Dazey, Sara Griffin, Amanda Bobbitt, Elizabeth Bowers and Kevin Lohmeyer.
Condolences(5)
Pam & Jim Sumrow
Celeste, TX Friday, March 13, 2026 Our deepest sympathy to all of Martha’s family and to the wonderful people at Coker’s. Martha was always so nice and so willing to help especially in the time of the someone else’s loss. She always had a smile in her voice and love in her heart! I can remember when Christie was born. I met her through another friend at the ballgame I believe it was. It took baby Christie a year or so before she got much hair. And as for her husband, Johnny, he loved the ballgames too! Thank you Martha for all Yu have done for so many!!Pam & Jim Sumrow
Myra Wrenn
Greenville, TX Thursday, March 12, 2026 So sorry to hear about Martha. She was such a sweet lady and was truly amazing! She was an inspiration to everyone and touched so many lives over the years with her kindness.! She will be deeply missed!My Deepest Sympathy,
Janice, Allison and Amy Davis
Fate, TX Saturday, March 7, 2026 Martha was such a warm and loving presence. She will be greatly missed. John always spoke highly of Martha and enjoyed working with her over the years. We are praying for her family during this time.Mary Merritt
Greenville, TX Friday, March 6, 2026 Oh my, what to say. This deal lady took me under her wing when I first entered the floral business. As we worked together arrangement coordination with funeral service was a must. But as time passed we became friends, a Texas Ranger and a New York Yankees fan laughed at so many things in life.Rest in peace my dear sweet friend.
Elena Hardaway
Greenville, TX Wednesday, March 4, 2026 I am so sorry to hear this she was such a sweet lady. Sending my deepest condolences and sympathy to her family.