Inez "Nana" Martinez

Inez Martinez, also known as “Nana” to everyone, 86, of Wharton and formerly of Clovis, New Mexico, passed away on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at a Wharton assisted living center following a lengthy illness. She was born on September 10, 1931 in Goliad, Texas, a daughter of the late Pedro and Jesusa P Perez.   Inez was raised in the Goliad area and attended Goliad schools. Her childhood was filled with days of following her father, siblings and the Perez Orchestra, playing Spanish Folk Music around the state of Texas. She learned to play the piano and sing along with many of their songs. She married Conrado Martinez on June 5, 1955 in Goliad. His military service led the young family to live in numerous places before his passing away on January 21, 1970. She worked for Furrs’ cafeteria as a line supervisor for many years. Her love of cooking led her to be the head cook for El Charro Restaurant in Clovis, New Mexico and also catered for Norman and Vi Petty of the Norman Petty Studios in Clovis, New Mexico.  She was very involved with her children in all their school functions, especially with the CHS Wildcat Band and Drill Team. As a resident at Elmcroft Assisted Living she enjoyed entertaining the residents by playing the piano and singing songs from her younger years.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Brenda Lee Martinez, siblings, Mary Carbajal, Rose Perez, and Domingo Perez, and her companion of many years, Henry “Hank” Bonney.    Inez is survived by her children, Christine Blackburn and husband, Donnie of Amarillo, Michele Rodriguez and husband, Mike of Boling, Jerry Lee Martinez and wife, Carol of Marion NC, Roger Martinez and wife, Rhonda of Richmond and David Martinez and wife, Reenie of Lubbock, step daughters, Monica Velez of Oklahoma and Rosalie Bonney of Georgia, grandchildren, David Martinez, Daniel Lamb, Amanda Lamb-Weigle and husband, Craig, Presley Blackburn, Lilly Blackburn, Laura Blackburn, William Martinez, Peyton Martinez, Ashley Martinez, Arienne Martinez, Keller Martinez, Kelly Martinez, Destiny Martinez, Dominique Rodriguez, Vincent Rodriguez, step grandchildren, Azaria Romero and Zerlina Velez, 15 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.   Visitation will begin on Sunday evening, May 27 after 5pm, at Wharton Funeral Home with Rosary recited at 7pm at the Chapel of Wharton Funeral Home. A Funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, May 28, 2018 at 10 am at Holy Family Catholic Church with Father Robert Knippenberg officiating. Following cremation, burial will be in the San Antonio Veterans Cemetery next to her husband, Conrado.   The family wishes to express their gratitude to Altus Hospice for their excellent care of their mother.   Funeralservices were under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home.  Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com