A Remembrance of Martha Lenamon

Martha Lenamon of Shongaloo, Louisiana, passed away on September 27, 2025 following a courageous four-year battle with bone cancer. She lived more than 20 years as a breast cancer survivor, showing remarkable strength and resilience throughout her life.

Born October 16, 1947, in Mexia, Texas, Martha was the first of twin daughters to James Sr. and Frances Lenamon. She spent her childhood in Mexia, Ranger, and ultimately Albany, Texas, where she graduated with the beloved Class of 1966. A gifted musician and athlete, she excelled in the Albany Lion Band, where she also twirled and served as Drum Major, and lettered in both basketball and tennis. She sang with the Misty Crystals, performed in the Albany Ft. Griffin Fandangle, and lent her voice to both youth and adult choirs at the Methodist Church. In 2016, she and her husband, David Hardaway, were honored as Coming Home Queen and King at the Albany Homecoming, a testament to the lifelong friendships she cherished.

Martha attended Texas Tech University before transferring to McMurry College in Abilene after the passing of her father. There she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education, sang with the McMurry Chanters Choir, and performed with the pop ensemble Apollo.

Martha began her banking career in 1975 with Texas Federal Savings and later served with Guaranty Financial Services, Bank of America, Nations Bank, and First Gibraltar Savings. Over the years she held roles including Vice President, Support Specialist Manager, and Conversion Team Manager, earning the respect and friendship of colleagues she remained close to throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Lenamon Sr.; her brother, James Lenamon Jr.; her mother, Frances Lenamon; and her husband, David Hardaway.

Martha is survived by her son, Mackenzie Hardaway of Shongaloo; her stepson, Jay Hardaway and wife Lindsay of Abilene, and their four children; and her four loving sisters: Leay (Darryl) Phillips of Pflugerville, Sandra Beal of Abilene, Karen (Rick) Kirkendall of Hull, Massachusetts, and Mary Gibson of McKinney. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Linda Isbell of Albany; nieces Jennifer Parker and Kerry Barrett; nephew Chris Kirkendall; and cousins Aletha Cox, Amy Cox Richardson, and Judy Carr Shilling, with whom she shared especially close bonds. In addition, she leaves behind many other beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Known for her sense of humor and her gift for storytelling, Martha delighted friends and family with tales of everyday mishaps. She took joy in music, her cherished pets, in cultivating her gardens, and in watching the birds among the pine and oak trees at her home she called “The Shonderosa.” Above all, her greatest joys were her family—her sisters, her mother, and especially her son, Mackenzie, her devoted caregiver.

At Martha’s request, no formal service will be held. Her memory will live on in the love she shared, the music she made, and the laughter she left behind.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Kirtan Koticha and his staff in Minden, as well as to the aides and nurses of Allegiance Hospice, for the exceptional care and compassion they provided to Martha.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Martha’s memory to LAMA Animal Rescue of Springhill, Louisiana, at https://lamaanimalrescue.org/… or to the American Cancer Society.

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