Martha Lyell Gradel, age 103 of Waco, died on Mother's Day, May 9th, 2021. Martha was born on November 26, 1917. She was a lifelong resident of Waco and a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.

A visitation/rosary will be held Thursday, May 13th, from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Connally Compton Funeral Home. Rosary will begin at 7:00pm. Funeral Services will be held 1:00pm Friday, May 14th, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Waco, with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Father Cyril Ejaidu and Deacon Greg George. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco.

Pallbearers will be her sons Robert, David, Gary, and Kenneth, Son-In-Law Freddy Duron and nephew Bill Lyell Jr. Honorary pallbearer, Son-In-Law Darrell White.

Martha married Anthony Donald Gradel on April 13th, 1936. Together they had eight children. Martha was lovingly referred to as "Big Mom". She raised a "Big" family, in a "Big" house, and most importantly had a "Big" heart!
Martha's life was so incredible that both Baylor and the Waco Channel produced documentaries about her.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband A.D. Gradel, brother William A. Lyell, son Stephen Michael Gradel, and granddaughter Stephanie Leigh Gradel.
She is survived by three daughters: Donna Scott of Miami Fl, Janice White and husband Darrell of Robinson, Frances Duron and husband Freddy of Robinson, four sons: Robert Gradel and wife Robin of Lampasas, David Gradel and wife Lulu of Robinson, Gary Gradel and wife Maedell of Moody, Kenneth Gradel and wife Linda of Waco, and daughter-in-law, Cynthia Gradel of Waco, 17 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to Mission Waco or the charity of your choice.