Martha Thornton

Martha Ruth Thornton passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 86 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Martha was born on December 6, 1938, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to William Thurman and Nova Odessa Wolfe. She began her education in Tulsa before moving with her family to Hallett as a young girl. Martha continued her studies in Hallett and later completed her education in Maramec. She returned to Tulsa in 1971 and enrolled at Roberts Beauty School. Eventually, she opened her own beauty salon, Mansion House Beauty Salon, located in the Mansion House Towers. Martha worked in the beauty industry for many years before being introduced to Glenn Elton Thornton through a coworker. They were united in marriage on July 27, 1991, in Tulsa, which became their first home together. Martha retired in 1992 after selling her beauty shop. She and her friend Sondra later established M&S Estate Sales, which they operated for many years. They also launched a clothing line that employed local seamstresses to create their collection. In 2023, Martha and Glenn moved to their current residence, where she continued to live.

Martha enjoyed spending time in her yard, decorating, and was an avid sports fan. She eagerly anticipated watching the Oklahoma City Thunder and Yukon girls' basketball games. Additionally, she enjoyed listening to gospel music. Martha and Glenn loved traveling, fishing, and searching for the perfect dining spots.

Martha is survived by her husband Glenn, four children: William Hickson Jr. of Mannford, Oklahoma; Tammy Brandenburg and her husband Wendell of Indiana; Debra Stanfield of Grand Lake, Oklahoma; and Doug Thornton and his wife Denise of Claremore, Oklahoma. She is also survived by her sister Maxine Woodrell of Terlton, Oklahoma; sister-in-law Carmelita Wolfe of Cleveland, Oklahoma; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. Martha was preceded in death by her parents, William and Odessa Wolfe, and her brother, Jim Wolfe.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Terlton Cemetery, with Randy Alley officiating. Chapman-Black Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements. Friends and family may visit an online guest book and memorial page for Martha at www.chapman-black.com.