Martha Jean Wagner was born February 18th, 1940. Her parents were Ben Wagner and Myrtle Dilbeck Wagner, from the community of Rich, in southeastern Arkansas. 

Martha married Bobby Wilson on May 29th, 1956. Martha and Bobby were blessed with the birth of 2 daughters, Jean Ann and Paula. They chose to add to their family in 1980 by adopting 2 sons, Chris and Jon. 

Bobby and Martha relocated several times throughout the years for job opportunities, living in Ohio, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee and Arkansas. They have spent their last 24 years residing in Heber Springs, Arkansas.

They have invested many years of their lifetime serving Jesus and giving to others through missions in Africa, Central America and Canada. After retirement from John Deere Tractor Co., Bobby and Martha moved to Honduras, living there for 5 yrs. They have helped to build numerous churches, establish vocational schools, sewing classes, facilitate medical and dental clinics, water projects and provide much needed supplies and relief after the devastation of Hurricane Mitch in October 1998. 

Martha is survived by her husband, Bobby; daughters, Jean Werneke, Paula Hardwick (Dwayne); sons, Chris Wilson, Jon Wilson (Luce); 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 3 great- great- grandchildren; 2 brothers, Doug Wagner (Donna) and Bill Wagner (Lona).

Martha’s family would like to thank everyone who’ve supported and prayed for them during this time of transition to heaven. Her time of rejoicing and joy in the presence of Jesus is just beginning.         

2 Cor 5:6-9 gives us great comfort.   

"So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.”

 A celebration service in honor of Martha’s life and legacy will held at 1:00pm, Sunday, February 15, 2026 at CityGate Church, 401 West Main St, Heber Springs, Arkansas