Martha Abbott
Martha Abbott passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026 surrounded by her loving family and partner of 26 years, Steven Berry. She demonstrated strength and resiliency while facing challenges resulting from a fall. She continued to delight...
September 23, 1937 – July 7, 2026
Martha Abbott passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026 surrounded by her loving family and partner of 26 years, Steven Berry. She demonstrated strength and resiliency while facing challenges resulting from a fall. She continued to delight us with the crinkling of her nose in cute confession when we least expected it.
Martha Belle was born to Hazel Alcorn and Ralph Bliss in Avard, Oklahoma on September 23, 1937. She was a self-described “Daddy’s girl” and the youngest of 9 children. Martha was raised on a farm and kept her love of animals her entire life. She leaves behind her sweet cat Sassy Pants for Steve to cherish and cuddle.
In the early 1970’s, Martha arrived in Texarkana, TX from Los Angeles, CA with her 5 children and boxer, Ginger. She hit the ground running to provide numerous opportunities for them. Her late husband, Richard L. Abbott, along with two business partners opened the first Burger King in Texarkana. Martha and Richard worked tirelessly, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to customer service that later became a model for her children.
After a 2 year stint co-owning and operating two Burger Kings in Shreveport/Bossier City, LA area, Richard and his partners split and consolidated ownerships. Martha and Richard partnered and expanded to two restaurants in Texarkana and then embarked in a new direction with The Party Factory Inc. in the mid-1980’s. These ventures laid the foundation and her sons, daughters-in-law, two of her grandchildren, and one of their wives have continued this legacy, highlighting the significance of family and community.
Martha was a partner in three shopping centers, including Richmond Ranch, which was envisioned by her deceased son and partner Steven Avard. This vision helped to bring the relocation of Target, Home Depot, Kohl’s, Kirkland’s, Boot Barn and several other businesses to Texarkana.
A proud mom, grandma and great grandma, she leaves behind two sons of Texarkana – Nathan Avard (Anita), Alan Avard (Amber); and one daughter Jamie Avard-Fernandez (Bernardo) of Austin; step-daughter Cindi Abbott of Monroe, LA; and daughter-in-law Angie Avard of Santa Fe, NM; grandchildren Christopher (Amber), Alex (Emily), Alonso, Santiago (Annie), Alana Kittle (Kristopher), Dylan, and Alyssa; and great grandchildren; Kadyn, Ensley, and Ashtyn.
She is pre-deceased by her parents, siblings, sons Steve and Sammy Avard; and husbands Richard L. Abbott, and John Jarvis; and ex-husband Joseph L. Avard.
The family will receive guests Sunday, July 12 from 2-4 for an open viewing at the Texarkana Funeral Home on Texas Blvd.
Funeral services will be held Monday July 13, 2026 at 2 pm. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
The family would like those wishing to pay tribute to Martha, to please consider a donation in her name to your favorite veterans’ organization, the local animal shelter or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org). Floral tributes may be sent to Texarkana Funeral Home, 3515 Texas Blvd. Texarkana, Tx 75503.
Courtesy of Texarkana Funeral Home.