Martha Jean Lawrence-Brashear

Martha Jean “Gigi” Lawrence Brashear

Martha Jean “Gigi” Lawrence Brashear, 97, the beloved matriarch of our family, passed away to her heavenly home on Tuesday, January 12, 2026, with loved ones by her side. Martha was so loved by everyone and will be sorely missed.

Born in Houston, TX, August 10, 1928, to Hazel Overton Hicks and Glenn F. Hicks, Martha was raised in the Baptist Church where her mother was the Educational Director at Norhill Baptist Church. As a young woman, she enjoyed gymnastics and playing softball. She was also an accomplished musician, playing the accordion for the hillbilly band, Red Wing Caisons. She graduated from Reagan Heights High School in Houston where she was a member of the Red Coats, a drum and bugle corp. She attended Baylor University and majored in art.

After WWII, Martha Jean met George S. Lawrence, Jr. at a church softball game and they were later married on July 25, 1947. On October 8, 1950, they welcomed daughter, Barbara Jean. Their daughter, Martha Grace followed on April 4, 1958. During this time, Martha Jean worked part time as an administrative assistant for local Baptist churches in Pecos and Houston, and as a kindergarten teacher in local public schools and church schools.

Faith and church were always important parts of Martha’s life. She taught children’s Sunday School classes for many years, always having a song ready for every occasion. She was a member of DeSoto Presbyterian Church and regularly attended until her death.

Martha Jean and George began square dancing in the late 1970’s and were very active in local square dance clubs. Eventually, they became involved in Round Dancing with the Let’s Dancers Club, serving as Chair and Co-Chair one year. They enjoyed this pastime until George’s passing in 1998.

Dinners for birthdays and holidays at Gigi’s stay in the family’s favorite memories. Her food was always delicious, and she was so skilled at coordinating the food to be ready and warm. Her chocolate pie and banana pudding have yet to be matched. Another extraordinary skill she possessed was as a seamstress. She sewed all of her square dance dresses from one pattern, changing each one slightly with her own artistic talent.

Martha met Truman Brashear through square dancing. He was a former square dance caller so it was a wonderful match. For many years they traveled with their RV to Camping Square Dances and to the Rio Grande Valley during winter. They were married 25 years before Truman’s passing in 2022. Most of all, they enjoyed laughing and talking with each other. She line danced at the Senior Recreation Center in DeSoto with many friends for several years.

Gigi will be remembered for her love of her family and her love of dancing. Her feet and her mind were always moving in dance figures. Joy filled her face when she started to dance or even talked about it.

Those left to cherish her memory:

Daughters Barbara Harris of DeSoto, TX and Martha Henson (Bob) of Arlington, TX. Grandchildren, Jeff Harris (Robin) of Taos, NM; Amy Basinger (Wes) of Cedar Hill, TX; Holly Harris (Manuel) of Grand Prairie, TX; Brad Henson (Lindsey) of Mansfield, TX and Bryan Henson (Kelly) of Arlington., TX. Twelve great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, Brother, John Hicks of The Highlands, TX, three nieces, and four great nephews.

Predeceased in death by her first husband, George Lawrence, Jr.; second husband, Truman Brashear; parents, Glenn and Hazel Hicks and sister, Barbara Conley.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday - January 23, 2026 in the Chapel of West/Hurtt Funeral Home at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Larry D. Williams, officiating.

A private Graveside Service will be held on a later date in Little Bethel Memorial Park, Duncanville, TX.