Martha Lundberg Carlson

Martha Carlson was welcomed into the arms of Jesus August 30, 2023, just four months shy of her 100th birthday. A joyful remembrance of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, September 4, 2023, in the Garden Room at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey funeral home, with son, Chriss Carlson, officiating. A private graveside service will be held the following day in Georgetown, Texas.

Martha was born December 29, 1923, in Waco, Texas, to Oscar “Lundy” Lundberg and Beda Elizabeth Lundblad Lundberg. She was raised in a loving, Swedish-Methodist home and graduated from Waco High, Class of 1941. Martha attended 4-C Business College while working for Blue Cross Blue Shield in downtown Waco. She married Donald Walter Carlson in May of 1943. After Don’s graduation from Texas A&M and service in WWII, he soon became Commandant and Dean of Boys at San Marcos Baptist Academy. It was there that Martha worked alongside Don to raise two sons and a daughter and countless young cadets until their move to Mexia, Texas, in 1961. Don became ill with Parkinson’s Disease at the age of 46; Martha, at 42, rolled up her sleeves and took over as the family breadwinner, never missing a beat. She became Vice-President of Bi-Stone Savings & Loan and worked happily there for many years. She was a very active and steadfast member of the First United Methodist Church and her community; she was honored as a Rotary Club Fellow. After Don’s death in 1988, Martha went to work for Hughes Dillard, as his bookkeeper and office manager. In 1995, Martha moved back to her hometown of Waco and re-kindled old friendships, while making many new friends. She was active in FUMC’s Odell Dudley Class and Meals on Wheels. She was an avid bridge, card, and game player and enjoyed Baylor sports.

Martha only focused on the things that really mattered and lived her life according to the scriptures. She loved people and people loved her; she treated everyone the same with genuine respect and love, never criticizing or remembering a wrongdoing. She always reached out to someone in need or welcomed them to the church or neighborhood with a personal note or a baked good. With little effort, Martha could host a wonderful family dinner with great food, stimulating conversation, and games for dessert. She was a practical person who didn’t sweat the small stuff or even the big stuff – she made life look easy; she took hardships in stride, finding complete joy and rest in her faith. Her children were beyond blessed in every way to have her for their mother and role model.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar “Lundy” Lundberg and Beda Elizabeth Lundblad Lundberg; her husband, Donald Walter Carlson; her sister, Elizabeth Butcher and husband Edwin (Butch).

She is survived by two sons, Chriss Carlson (Kim), Col. (Retired) Craig Carlson (Monika); and daughter Carol Thompson (Ricky); her grandchildren, Jennifer Hoeting (Mark), Patrick Carlson (Jeana), John Carlson (Christin), Casie Weaver (Clint), Cortnie Thompson, and Kara Boleyn; great-grandchildren, Sarah and Matthew Hoeting, Jonathan, Jacob & Joshua Carlson, Cameron and Reece Carlson, Jack and Tessa Weaver, as well as Noel, Levi, Isla, & Aron Boleyn.

Martha will be remembered each and every day by her children and grandchildren for the life she lived so well for Christ. She was truly a wonderful person and said she hoped her life was pleasing to Jesus but just wanted her headstone to say “Well, she tried.” If you would like to honor her memory, please do so with a gift to First Methodist Waco, 4901 Cobbs Dr. or Meals on Wheels.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.