Carol Barker Martens (Carol Ann Barker) was born September 21, 1952 in Commerce, Texas, the second of four children, including Roy Dale, Jr., Donna, and Robert, to parents, Annie Marie (Hancock) and Roy Dale Barker. The family moved to Concord, California in December, 1965. As a child, she was active in the 4H Club and loved to play piano gospels.
Carol married George Eugene Dunck, Jr. in 1972, lived in Napa, and had 2 children, Christina (1974) and Jeremy (1976). With the support of family, as a single mother, she re-established a home in the Dallas area in 1986, marrying Don Dozier in 1987.
She completed her bachelor’s degree in 1998 and became a financial planner. Carol worked as Vice President of Insurance Compliance over 41 states for Bank of America, in addition to esteemed organizations such as Texans Credit Union, Allstate, and AIG. She possessed every insurance and CFP license, making her uniquely qualified to meet her clients’ financial needs. She was an active homemaker as well. Carol was known for creating an open home, often mothering friends and extended family who needed love and support. She was consistent in helping people when possible, and set an example of diligence, character, and quiet faith.
Carol was always a presence in every room. Direct, but kind, she'd always tell you exactly what she thought about things - but always with a sense of humor, too. Carol loved getting into deeper conversations, but at the end of it she'd always tell it like it was, ending the conversation with “Well, I think we’ve solved all the world’s problems for today.” If asked for advice, she'd offer an opinion, but more often than not would guide you to make your own conclusions. Carol’s unwavering support and guidance will be missed.
Carol’s hobbies included crafts, sewing, decorating, and cooking. She was an accomplished seamstress, creating beautiful dresses from patterns she had made or modified herself. Vintage hats, patterns, and jewelry caught her interest, and she had an eye for timeless fashion. As an extension of her need to create, she put together beautiful wreaths, bows, holiday decor, and floral arrangements. Her home was a festive sight at every season. Cooking, though a daily event, brought Carol great pleasure. Meals were prepared with love, and if one were ever fortunate enough to be around at dinner time, they would never leave hungry. Holidays brought special traditions of candy making: fudge, apricot balls, divinity, just as the change of seasons would bring traditional favorites of chili and stew.
After the nest was empty, she married Gary Bradford Martens in 2010, and the two settled in Oklahoma City around 2013.
After a long series of medical issues, she passed peacefully with her family by her side on April 9th, 2022. Carol was predeceased by parents, Roy Dale Barker and Annie Marie Landry; stepfather, Thomas Landry; and brother, Roy Dale, Jr.
She is survived by husband, Gary Martens; siblings, Robert Barker and Donna Barker Jacob; step-siblings, Clint Landry (Paula), Connie Angelle (Lee), Tina Landry, Sheila Landry, Tommie Landry, and Bonnie Kendrick; children, Christina East (Shawn) and Jeremy Dunck (Stacey); stepchildren, Alan Dozier, Hank Martens, Brad Martens, Elizabeth Chancy, Grace Martens-Jackson (James), Jane Martens, and Irene Martens; grandchildren, Andrew Meyer, Alice Meyer, Abigail Meyer, Max East, Jennifer Crouch, Logan Pille (Ashlie), Connor Santos-Stevenson, Mikaela Santos-Stevenson, Aidan Santos-Stevenson, Mia Santos-Stevenson, Haddie Chancy, Thor Jackson, Aksel Jackson, Lela Jackson, and Behr Jackson; and a host of extended family and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 22, 2022 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Carol’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/carol-barker-martens. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location. Following the service, a procession will make its way to Ridgeview Memorial Park for a committal service.
The family will receive family and friends during a visitation on Thursday evening from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home.