Karla Ann (Neal) Martin born on January 13,1959 to Mary Ann and Rev. Charles Neal went through heaven's gates on November 22, 2022.  She grew up in Georgetown Texas and Dallas Texas attending Kimball High school where she graduated in 1976.  She enjoyed varsity cheerleading and other activities as well as being crowned Homecoming queen in 1976.  Karla went on to attend the University of Texas in Austin and graduated from North Texas University in 1981 with her primary and secondary teaching certifications.  She was passionate about being a teacher and taught at The Greenhill School, Alexander School, Mesquite ISD and at other schools in Texas and Arkansas until her cancer diagnosis in 2013.  Karla did many years of volunteer work with Buckner's Children's Home and cherished those friendships throughout her life.  She also enjoyed a brief time at Channel 27 as a news reporter in 1983.

Karla married the love of her life Ben Martin on March 14, 1981.  Through marriage and dating, they shared nearly 50 years together filled with much joy and laughter. Ben was her best friend, rock, and dearest companion. Their family grew to include two sons Bradley and Charley Martin.  Bradley and his wife Pamela gave them two beautiful grandchildren.  Karla and the family spent many years in Dallas, Sunnyvale and most recently in Springdale, AR. She enjoyed her family and babysitting her grandchildren more than anything.  She loved teaching but above all her calling was as a wife, mom, and grandmother.

Karla loved life and she enjoyed reading, waterskiing, caring for her dogs, shopping, watching movies with Ben, going to church, and playing with her grandchildren.  She enjoyed her daily scripture readings - her bible always next to her favorite chair. Karla and her dad enjoyed many conversations on theology and other topics of interest. She enjoyed traveling in the RV around the United States with Ben and the kids, visiting the UK and attending several U.S. Olympics. Karla loved to shop - like her dad she especially enjoyed a good bookstore. She also loved cheering the Longhorns, Razorbacks and Cowboys on.

Karla was a wonderful sister to Sherie and Julie and will be missed so much. She was the kindest, most beautiful soul that anyone could know. Anyone who knew her was blessed.  Many were lucky to love and be loved by her.  Her smile could light up the room.  Her son Bradley said she gave us everything she had, and she did.  She gave all she had to be a daughter, mom, mee-maw, wife, sister, teacher, friend and to fight cancer.  Karla gained strength from her unwavering faith, family, and friends especially, over the last years of her life.

Karla is survived by her husband Ben, children Charley and Bradley, daughter-in-law Pamela and grandchildren Jack and Mia.  Additionally, she is survived by her father Charles Neal and his wife Janice, two sisters Sherie Neal Johnston and husband Bob and family, Julie Neal Loose and husband Greg and family, as well as numerous cousins and other dear relatives.

Karla is preceded in death by her mother Mary Ann Neal, her mother-in-law Jean Martin and her father- in-law Bubba Martin as well as her grandparents.

A celebration of Karla's life will be held Friday, December 2nd at 1:00pm at First United Methodist of DeSoto. The church is located at: 310 Roaring Springs Rd. DeSoto, TX 75115