Martha Walker Somoza, 72, of Monroe, Louisiana, passed away on Saturday, April 4th, 2026. Born June 9, 1953 in Blanchard, Louisiana to parents, Dorothy and James Walker. Marty lived a life fully devoted to the Lord. Always surrounded by her family whom she cherished dearly.

Marty was married to her dear husband, Carlos, for almost 49 years. The two of them were inseparable with a marriage filled with unending love and care. Together, they had two daughters, Kristina Toole and Katie Lee, who were their pride and joy. Marty had three granddaughters, Payton Wright, Emma Reitzammer, and Lakelyn Toole, who called her Nana. She was never without her girls.

Marty was a member of First Christian Church in Monroe for 42 years where she served in numerous roles. She was currently a member of First Methodist Church in Monroe and a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. She was a faithful follower of Christ her whole life, always sharing the gospel. She led a children's chapel for her granddaughters when they were younger and then led small groups on Wednesdays at First Methodist. She loved the Lord with all of her heart, always turning to Him through anything.

Marty attended and graduated from Northwood High School in Blanchard in 1971 and continued her education by graduating from Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in history. She taught for 24 years inspiring countless students. Her time in the classroom was one she could talk about forever. She was always telling countless stories about lessons she taught, and how years later she would run into students who would bring up those memorable lessons. Many of her students later went on to major in biology due to the impact she had on them. She was a true mentor for the minds of young people, and her legacy will always be remembered. Her love for history was told simply by having a conversation with her. She always mentioned a fun fact here and there about the most random events. However, that is what made everyone instantly love her. She could talk about any and everything, making everyone feel right at home, even if they just met.

Over the course of her life, Marty travelled to various destinations with her family but most of the time just in the company of her husband. Travelling was their favorite. Whether they went somewhere tropical, or somewhere mountainous, every trip was an adventure that they loved. Marty also loved to spend time with her church family. Whether it was attending events put on by the church or hosting her own pool parties, she was always surrounded with friends who were just as devoted as she was. Most importantly, she spent as much time as possible with her family. She made sure they always knew she loved them wholeheartedly. At every family gathering where everyone was together, she had a radiating grin on her face. To know her, was to know that her family was her home, her pride, and her happiness.

A Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Martha W. Somoza will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, April 11, 2026, at First Methodist Church in Monroe in the Contemporary Chapel with Rev. Craig Ferguson officiating under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Rd. Monroe. Interment will be in the First Methodist Church Columbarium. Visitation will be from 12:00 PM until service time at First Methodist Church.

Marty was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy Ann Robinson Walker; father, James B. Walker; brother, James (Jimmy) Walker; maternal grandparents, James Henry Robinson and Alma Emma Bumgardner Robinson; and paternal grandparents, James Jeptha Walker and Elva Catherine Youngblood Walker; brother-in-law Carlos Calix.

Survivors include her husband, Carlos F. Somoza; daughters, Kristina Toole and husband Joseph and Kathleen Lee and husband Spence; grandchildren, Payton Wright, Emma Reitzammer, Lakelyn Toole; Selina Toole, Ethan Toole and wife Brittnie, Baleigh Deal, Addison and Brayden Lee; sister, Alma Sue Walker; sister-in-law, Leigh Walker; brother-in-law, Fernando Somoza and wife Iris, sister-in-law, Sandra Calix and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital.