Martha Carlton

Martha Jane Carlton, age 87, the third child of five born to the Reverend John G. (Jack) and Jane E. Carlton on October 29, 1938, passed away peacefully at her home on November 23, 2025.

Martha lived a life shaped by compassion, curiosity, and a deep commitment to the dignity of others. A woman of quiet strength and abiding empathy, she touched countless lives—through her work, her friendships, and the warmth she shared so generously with her family.

A proud alumna of Western Michigan University, Martha earned her Bachelor of Arts in English, serving as president of her dormitory and competing on the synchronized swimming team. She later pursued her passion for helping others by earning her Master of Science in Clinical Social Work (MSCSW) from Siena Heights University.

Martha built a long and dedicated career in social work, with a focus on Child Protective Services and Child and Adult Foster Care across Michigan and California. Among her proudest achievements was her role on the team that successfully changed California state law to protect and expand the rights of adults with developmental disabilities—a powerful and enduring contribution to the welfare of vulnerable individuals.

Martha embraced life with a spirit of adventure and creativity. She loved camping, knitting, writing, ice-skating, and swimming, finding joy in both the beauty of nature and the comfort of handmade work. She held a deep appreciation for Native American culture and maintained a lifelong curiosity and respect for many religions, reflecting her open heart and broad-minded spirit. Music also held a special place in her heart, encompassing a range of genres from Mozart to The Grateful Dead.

She was preceded in death by her beloved siblings Ruth Lee and Marian Carlton. She is survived by her brothers John Carlton (wife Eukie) and Robert Carlton (wife Carmen), as well as many nieces and nephews who cherished her deeply.

From her marriage to Gary Willcock in 1961, Martha leaves behind three children who were the great joys of her life:

Laura Jane Yearsley (Willcock) and her husband Thomas; Laura's son Dylan Willcock; and Martha’s great-grandchildren Khalisi Mae Willcock, Elizabeth Ruth Yearsley, and June Lake Yearsley.

Karen Jean Suber, and Martha's grandchildren Viktor Suber and Jack Lucas Suber, along with Jack’s wife Ambar Salas Suber.

Bradley Charles Willcock and his wife Lynette; son Tyler Haze Willcock and his wife Bethany; great grandchildren Elise Elle and Lilian Hazel, along with daughters' Sydni Maxine, Zoe Marie, and Erin Elizabeth.

Martha treasured her family above all else, taking profound joy in watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow. She also cherished her lifelong friendship with Marianne Locher Madsen, whose steadfast companionship enriched her life for decades.

Martha will be remembered for her generous heart, her fierce sense of justice, her love of learning, and the peaceful steadiness she brought into the lives of others. Her legacy is one of devotion, courage, and a beautifully lived life.

A private service will be held to honor her remarkable journey.

May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

Beneath the Sweater and the Skin

"How many years of beauty do I have left?" she asks me.

How many more do you want?

Here. Here is 34. Here is 50.

When you are 80 years old

and your beauty rises in ways

your cells cannot even imagine now

and your wild bones grow luminous and

ripe, having carried the weight

of a passionate life.

When your hair is aflame with winter

and you have decades of

learning and leaving and loving

sewn into

the corners of your eyes

and your children come home

to find their own history

in your face.

When you know what it feels like to fall

ferociously

and have gained the

capacity

to rise and rise again.

When you can make your tea

on a quiet and ridiculously lonely afternoon

and still have a song in your heart

Queen owl wings beating

beneath the cotton of your sweater.

Because your beauty began there

beneath the sweater and the skin,

remember?

This is when I will take you

into my arms and coo

YOU BRAVE AND GLORIOUS THING

you've come so far.

I see you.

Your beauty is breathtaking.

- Jeannette Encinias