Martha Jane Dishman

Martha Jane Dishman, 87, of Beaumont, died Friday, December 10th, at Buckner Calder Woods.

A long-time resident of Beaumont, Martha was born on August 18, 1934 in Hackberry, Louisiana to Marian Hilra Cayson and Alma Jones Cayson.

Martha, after having graduated high school in Jennings, Louisiana, attended the University of Houston and majored in Radio, TV and Film where she was instrumental in the development of a college radio station and the inception of a college chapter USO-type program through her affiliations in beauty pageant programs.  She also met Bill Dishman at U of H who became the love of her life.  She was a Christian woman who loved God and loved her church, Amelia Baptist Church of which she was a member for 65 years. Martha served as a Secretary, Sunday School teacher, and numerous other committees. She also sang in the choir for many years. Martha felt one of the best parts of the community of Amelia Baptist were the life-long friendships she developed. She and Bill instilled in her family a strong Christian foundation, which is a testament to her love for God and her family. In addition to raising four kids, Martha was the driving force behind fostering many children. Offering them a safe haven and a home, and someone to call mom. Her door was always open to friends, family, and anyone in need. In addition to raising a family, many Beaumont residents will recall her salon, A Touch of Beauty where she spent many hours enjoying time with her stylists and customers.  Martha loved to stay busy, whether it was with her family, friends, work, her church, or some civic organizations, she always found time to sit and talk or lend a helping hand.

Survivors include her sons, Bill Dishman, Jr. and his wife, Lisa, of Beaumont, Bryan Dishman and his wife, Cici, of Beaumont and Blain Dishman and his wife, Jeannie, of North Vidor; daughter, Kelly Dishman and her husband, Gunter Heydman, of Aledo; ten grandchildren, Erin, Ford, Garrett, Elyse, Casey, Hillary, Gracelyn, Brandon, Blake and Bryce; and great-grandchildren, Preston, Keaton, Stella, Adam, Sam, Willow, Noah, Brax, Knox and Finn.

She was preceded in death by her parents “Daddy Bud” and “Pollybud”, her husband William “Bill” Dishman and sister, Marian Jeannine Chapman.

Her family would like to thank those who lent Martha a helping hand in the past and present. First and foremost, her dear friends Bobby, Patsy, and Janet, three beautiful ladies that were part of her and Bill’s lives since the early marriage years. Next would be the friends she has made through Amelia Baptist Church, these relationships have stood the test of time, being steeped in faith and God. And last but not least, all the nurses, sitters, and staff that have helped Martha along this journey in her later years, in particular Montibello Home Care, Buckners Calderwoods and Amedisys Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Amelia Baptist Church, 8055 Brighton, Beaumont, Texas 77707 or to Julie Rogers Gift of Life Program, PMB 46, 148 Dowlen Road, Beaumont, Texas 77707.

A gathering of Mrs. Dishman’s family and friends will begin at 12:30 p.m., with her funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 17, 2021, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.  Her internment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.

Please observe social distancing guidelines. By attending any public event you are acknowledging the risk of exposure to the Corona Virus. Please follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov