Betty Dalby Martin

Betty Lynn Dalby Martin, 89, passed from this world into heaven on the afternoon of March 30, 2022, due to multiple health issues. She was born in Daingerfield in a house on Jefferson Street on November 19, 1932, to John Henry and Oletta Hampton Dalby. Betty was a graduate of Daingerfield High School and was a star on the girls high school basketball team. While playing basketball, she broke her jaw and Dr. Ed Mack repaired it. Betty attended Texas Women’s University, then known as Texas State College For Women, majoring in pre-med. Later she lived in Dallas with her aunt and uncle and attended Southern Methodist University. However, when her father’s health became compromised in the ‘50s, Betty returned home to help in the family business, the J. H. Dalby General Merchandise store. During this time, she acquired her knowledge of bookkeeping skills and love for helping people with their tax returns, learning the business from her Father. Sometime later, Betty took a position with Neal Ray in his jewelry business in Pittsburg, Texas. There she met Billy Pat Martin, the love of her life. They were the first couple to be married in the new sanctuary of the First Methodist Church of Daingerfield on July 10, 1953. Betty was a life long member of the church and Bill soon placed his membership there where they served in various ministries of the church. Then in 1963, Betty and Bill went into partnership with her father’s business; there she continued to serve customers and complete tax returns. Betty and Mr. Dalby would figure the returns and Bill would type them onto the forms. Eventfully, Betty and Bill bought the store from Mr. Dalby and continued to serve the public through Martin’s General Merchandise. However, in the 70s Betty and Bill sold the store and established Martin’s Tax and Bookkeeping. Their office was located in their home at 205 Crockett Street where a constant stream of clients could be seen entering the office. She was an innovative thinker in her business practices and in 1974 was one of the first to computerize her business. Also she was an Estate Planner and Manager; at one time she had 23 clients. To keep her current in IRS rulings she became a member of the Texas Certified Public Accountants Association; Betty was a member for more than 20 years until her retirement in 2010. However, in 1978 through 1989, Betty expanded her business investments by becoming a co-owner in Martin’s Auto Parts on Linda Drive with her son, B. J. Martin,. Betty had a servant’s heart. She endeavored to help those with whom she came in contact. Her interests included sewing, embroidery, and doing for her family and church. Christmas was a special time for her in her home. The season was filled with family, friends, and food – an event full of love and thankfulness for God’s blessings. Betty, your presence and your home will be missed and your footprint will linger long in the lives of those you touched. Betty’s greatest joy was in her family and in helping others. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother, Richard Henry Dalby. Betty is survived by two sons: Billy John (B.J.) Martin and wife Jackie Davlin Martin of Texarkana and Walter Lee (Wally) Martin and wife, Jill Cleveland Martin of Hughes Springs; three grandsons: Paul Henry Martin of Waxahachie, Texas, Brian Anthony Martin and wife, Crysten, and Terry Runk and wife, Kristy, of Daingerfield; one granddaughter, Nichole Waddill and husband Chris of Texarkana; and six great-grandchildren: Caytlyn and William Jack Martin, Graci and Maggi Runk, And Ashten and Maylee Waddill; brother Deryl Dalby and wife Gerry of Dallas and nephew Hal Hicks. Special thanks go the caregivers at the Retreat at Kenwood, Texarkana, for their loving care of Betty during the last three and one half years. Another special acknowledgement goes to the Retreat Hospice Home and Health Care and Jackie Martin for their support, care and service to Betty. Visitation is on Saturday, April 2, 2022, from 5 to 7 PM at Horn-Nail-Haggard Funeral Home in Daingerfield. A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Methodist Church of Daingerfield on Sunday, April 3, 2022 at 3PM. The Reverend Kelly Shanks of the Malta Baptist Church in DeKalb, Texas, is officiating. Interment will follow in Daingerfield Cemetery.