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.
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 her pride and joy. She handled the finances for CKR&P Services, Abbott & Sons Development and several other ventures and endeavors.
Martha’s family was her world. She is survived by partner and forever love, Steven Berry; children, Sherry Jackson (David), Carlene Abbott, Lori Moore-Day (Larry Day), Richard Abbott (London Ashley) and Martha Abbott; grandchildren, Chrystal Ezernack (John), Jessica Whisenhunt, Matthew Whisenhunt (Kimberly), and Morgan Roberts; great-grandchildren, Jazlin Pettit, Lucas Whisenhunt, Harleigh Whisenhunt, Hudson Whisenhunt, and Trennon Keith; sisters, Pat Smith and a host of extended family and friends.
A celebration of her life will be at Richmond Ranch in Texarkana, Texas on Thursday, July 10 at 11:00 am. Her final resting place will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Courtesy of Texarkana Funeral Home.