Evelyn Delores Held Martin

Evelyn Delores Held Martin, 94, passed away quietly at home on January 19, 2026. The youngest of ten children, Evelyn was born in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, on June 13, 1931, to John S. and Esther Daniels Held. She attended Sacred Heart Elementary school then attended Lawrence County High School, where she met her future husband, Harold W. Martin. Both attended the University of Tennessee and Evelyn graduated with a degree in Home Economics. They were married on March 21, 1953. After giving birth to her son, Hal, in Knoxville, the family moved to Houston, Texas, in 1956. There she began living her life as a homemaker and devoted wife and mother. Over the next five years she gave birth there to two daughters, Melinda and Joanne. In 1967, the family moved to Lafayette, Louisiana, where Harold and Evelyn lived for the remainder of their lives. Her interests included square dancing, playing bridge with friends, reading, and working crossword puzzles. She was active in the Home Demonstration Club, taught reading to adults and regularly visited residents of nursing homes and patients in the hospital. As a child she earned the nickname of 'Brat' and was affectionately called Mama Brat by her grandchildren. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She encouraged her children and grandchildren to build strong, positive, and encouraging relationships that have and will transfer from generation to generation. She was a steady comfort to her family and extended family. She is survived by her son, Hal Martin of The Woodlands, TX, and two daughters, Melinda Howze and husband Greg of Lafayette and Joanne Slovacek and husband Chris of Houston, TX; fourteen grandchildren, Ryan Martin and wife Robyn, Travis Martin and wife Melody, Laurilee Smith and husband Jonathan, Suzannah Martin, Holly Perciful and husband Rudy, Hailey Daspit and husband Philip, Hillary Turnage and husband Peter, Helena Howze, Andrew Howze and wife Alexis, Alex Howze, Anthony Howze, Rachel Schoen and husband Chris, Shelly Nussbaum and husband Colin and Theresa Hererra and husband Jesus; thirteen great grandchildren, Reese Martin, Hope Martin, Joel Martin, Trinity Martin, Joy Martin, Waylon Smith, Summer Smith, Manon Daspit, Celine Daspit, Maureen Perciful, Emory Schoen, Vera Schoen, and Isaac Nussbaum, and many nephews and nieces. Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Harold Martin, by her parents, five sisters and four brothers as well as her daughter-in law, Karin Martin. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on February 21, 2026, at 1:30 PM, with a Rosary at 12:45 PM at St. Pius Church. Reverend James Brady, Pastor of St. Pius X Catholic Church will be the celebrant. She loved her sitters, Wanda Cormier and Annette Duhon, and her nurses from Hospice of Acadiana. Her family is truly grateful for the kindness and care they showed her. Personal condolences may be sent to the Martin family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com Donations in her name can be made to Hospice of Acadiana Evelyn Delores Held Martin and her family were cared for and entrusted final arrangements to Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA.

Evelyn Delores Held Martin

June 13, 1931 - January 19, 2026