In Loving Memory of Martha Faye Harlan

Services for Martha Fay Harlan will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 14, 2026, at Reaper Baptist Church. Rev. Aaron Ruffin, Rev. Ronnie Amous, and Rev. Rickey McGee will officiate. Burial will follow at Athens Cemetery. A wake will be held at Criswell Funeral Home on Thursday from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Martha Faye Harlan, who was born on June 15, 1960, in Ada, Oklahoma, to Cecil Ray Harlan Sr. and Ethel Williams Harlan. She dedicated her life to Christ at an early age.

Martha was a proud graduate of Ada High School. She went on to attend East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma, where she graduated in 1982 with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.

After completing her education, Martha worked for several well-known companies in Oklahoma, including Peat Marwick & Mitchell, Halliburton, and Hertz. She was known for her dedication, intelligence, and commitment to her work.

Outside of her career, Martha found her greatest joy in the simple things in life. She loved cooking, doing Sudoku puzzles, and spending time with her family. She especially loved baking and was known for making a delicious homemade German chocolate cake, a special treat that her loved ones will always remember and cherish.

Martha’s love for her family was evident in everything she did. She leaves behind cherished memories with those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by Barbara Osborne of Ada, Oklahoma; Ella Harlan of Ada, Oklahoma; Carla Harlan of Ada, Oklahoma; Carmen Harlan Wright (Reggie) of Seminole, Oklahoma; and one brother, Cecil Harlan Jr. of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, family members, and special friend Steve Carrethers, who will forever cherish her memory.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil Ray Harlan Sr. and Ethel Williams Harlan; her brother, Emmitt Crawford Sr.; and her sisters, Betty Caldwell, Joyce Harlan, and Janet Harlan.

Martha will be remembered for her loving heart, her dedication to her family, her sharp mind, her delicious cooking, and the memories she created with those she loved. Though she is no longer with us, her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.

Rest peacefully, Martha Faye Harlan.