MARTHA MALONE

Martha Lou McClure Malone, age 97, of Texarkana, Texas, died Saturday, June 4, 2022 in a local nursing center. Mrs. Malone was born September 13, 1924 in Garland City, Arkansas. Martha’s entrepreneurial spirit made her a trailblazer among women in the business world. In the 1940’s, she and her older sister opened a gas station. Shortly after, she and her younger sister opened one of the early gift shops in Texarkana. In 1950 she and her husband Jim began Malone Concrete which is still operational today. In the 1960’s Martha opened M&M Fabrics, which offered a wide variety of merchandise to customers from near and far. In the 1990’s she expanded that business to include an antique mall in downtown Texarkana. Her final venture was the Classy Lady, an antique store which she operated until 2014. Her strength, independent spirit, and love of family characterized a long and well-lived life. She grew up in the Baptist Church and was a member of the Emblem Club. She was preceded in death by her husband James “Jim” Malone; one son, Lyndel Malone; one sister, Mary Alice Thatcher and by two brothers; Glyn McClure and Garth McClure. She is survived by one daughter, Gwenn Malone of Texarkana, Texas; one son and daughter-in-law, Bo and Nancy Malone of Texarkana, Arkansas; one sister, Dorothy Jo Woods of Royce City, Texas; one grandson, Shane Malone and wife Stephanie; two great grandchildren, Adalee Malone and Audrey Malone and numerous other relatives. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at Chapelwood Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Wallace Edgar officiating. Private burial will be in Rondo Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10-11 A.M. Wednesday prior to the service.