Martha was born October 25, 1938, in Owens, Texas. She was a graduate of May High school and Howard Payne University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. She married Bobby Garth Fortune in 1957 and was blessed with two children.

Known by Mrs. Fortune and later as Mrs. Griffin, Martha was a passionately devoted educator, teaching elementary grades in Waco, Medina, Blanket, Brownwood, Rising Star, and Early, Texas, where she touched the lives of many students over the years. After retiring from her teaching career, she went on to serve in the Texas Retired Teachers Association, devoting much of her time to policy advocacy and community-building.

After the loss of her first husband, Bobby Garth Fortune, Martha was blessed to find love again with Johney D. Griffin, with whom she shared more than 30 years of marriage. Martha and Johney met as faithful members of First Methodist Church in Early, where she lived out her faith through acts of service to others, teaching Sunday school and serving on various church committees and volunteer projects over the years.

Martha was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma, served in the Owens County Extension Women’s Club, and enjoyed volunteering regularly at Good Samaritan. She loved traveling with her husband, Johney, and cherished time spent with her children and grandchildren, who brought her great joy.

She will be lovingly remembered by her family and friends, who will deeply miss her wisdom, generosity, and faithfulness, and find comfort in knowing she has gone home to be with the Lord.

Visitation will be held Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Heartland Funeral Home in Brownwood. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 4, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Good Samaritan Ministries of Brownwood.

Online condolences, memories and tributes can be made to the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net