Martha Ann Stanley was born M arch 27, 1938, and passed away May 18, 2026, at the age of 88.

Martha was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful friend who found joy in the simple blessings of life. She enjoyed fishing, baking-especially her famous pies-making jelly, and preparing peanut brittle that she lovingly sold for church fundraisers.

She received the Holy Ghost on November 4, 1961, and became sold out to God. A devoted member of First Pentecostal Church, Martha faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher for 32 years and led Sunday dinners for 20 years with a servant's heart and warm hospitality. Her home was always open to family and friends, especially during the holidays, which she cherished hosting and celebrating together.

Above all, Martha loved her family deeply. She will be remembered for her kindness, dedication to her church, generous spirit, and the love she shared through every meal, gathering, and act of service. Her legacy of faith, family, and love will continue to live on in all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Edgar Stanley; children, James Stanley, Keith Stanley (Jeanette), and Greg Stanley (Kristen); grandchildren, Rhonda Ship, Candace Stanley, Misty Chester (Charles), Jessica Stanley, Blake Stanley, Cull Stanley (Melissa), and Cray Stanley; great grandchildren, Nathaniel Suchanek, Ethan Montrand, Bowan Beltcher, James Beltcher, Madeline Ship, Molly Gordon, Chayla Chester, Emma Chester, Wynn Chester, Cecile Stanley, and Violet Stanley; 1 great great grandson; brother, David Murphy (Mona); along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her children, Ronnie Stanley and Charlotte Ship; grandchildren, Jason Ronald Stanley and Meagan Stanley; parents, Doyle and Laura Murphy; brother, C.D. Murphy; and sisters, Peggy Statum, Jackie Ashworth, Murdy Yaw, and Jean Rhymes.

Family will receive friends from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 21, 2026, and continuing from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 22, 2026, at First Pentecostal Church, Starks, Louisiana. Pastor Karl Smith will be officiating. Interment to follow at Miller Annex Cemetery, Starks, Louisiana.