Brenda Martin, 77, of Pampa, Texas, passed on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, in Pampa.
Memorial graveside service were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, at the Tell Methodist Cemetery with Ian Jones officiating. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael- Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.
Brenda was born July 10, 1948, in Childress, Texas, to Luther Shackelford and Doris Helms. She graduated from Childress High School. In 1987, Brenda and her mother purchased The DeVille restaurant in Memphis, Texas, which they owned and operated until 2002. During that time, she made many connections and friendships. In 2003, she moved to Pampa and worked at the Black Gold Restaurant for a few years before going to work at Coronado Nursing Home in the food service area. She enjoyed cooking and serving others.
Brenda was feisty and strong-willed. At the age of 60, she graduated from Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) training. She endured all the school studies, as well as the physical training. Brenda worked in the prison system for several years before going to work for Gray County as a jailer. She retired in 2016, when her health started failing. Brenda wanted to still work some, so she began substituting for Pampa Independent School District (ISD).
Brenda had an onery side to her; she enjoyed pranking with her grandchildren. Taking on the role of “G” to her grandchildren was the highlight of her life. She loved to spoil them and buy gifts for them. Brenda also enjoyed having her family over so she could cook for all of them. Her yeast rolls were something special and always the family favorite.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law, Pat Henry; and nephews Jim Pat Henry and Christopher Miller.
Survivors include her children, Ty Zuber and wife Kem, of Childress, Tag Zuber and wife Jeannie, Jerry Martin, Toyah Jones and husband Ian and Jason Martin and fiancée Mallory, all of Pampa; grandchildren Kadi, Shadin, Evan, Jaelyn, Kennedy, Olivia, Myles, Piper and Cheyenne; siblings David Shackelford and wife Marti, of Amarillo, Texas, Donna Miller and husband Ron, of Monahans, Texas, and June Henry, of Little Rock, Ark.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to thank Interim Hospice and Pampa Nursing Center for their love and care of Brenda over the past few weeks.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Interim Hospice.
Sign the online guest register at carmichael- whatley.com.
