Cordelia Michelle 'Cordy' Martinez

Cordelia Michelle "Cordy" Martinez, 76, of Amarillo passed away in the comfort of her home peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, August 25, 2023. The family will host a celebration of life 6:00-9:00 pm Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 2701 Arkansas Trail. Arrangements and cremation are by Rector Funeral Home Osage Chapel, 2800 S. Osage. Cordy was a pioneer in local media, becoming the first black news reporter for Channel 4 in Amarillo, TX. She continued breaking barriers and became the first black Civilian Investigator for the Amarillo Police Dept. She owned Cordys Lounge and eventually retired from Whispering Pines, her massage therapist business. She was the social butterfly of the family and was the BEST GRANNY! You could find her fishing with her grandchildren and always caught the most fish! Her beauty was to behold, and her deep voice captivated all who heard it. Her love for everyone was her cherished gift. She was a track star in high school and was the president of her 4-H. She will be missed dearly. Her "Girls", little Michelle and LaRae are honored to walk in her shoes. Cordy had accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and savior. Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Robert Martinez of Amarillo, two daughters: Michelle Grady of Lubbock TX and LaRae Phillips of Tyler, TX, four step-daughters: Alecia Martinez of Amarillo, Tx; Charl Martinez of Amarillo, TX; Renata Alexander of Amarillo, TX, and Phyllis Davenport of Amarillo, TX, one stepson: Bobby Martinez of Amarillo, TX, three grandchildren: LaRon Wright of Austin, Tx; Brandon Wright of Odessa, TX; and Latrice Grady of Lubbock, Tx., four great grandchildren: Josiah James Garcia of Lubbock, Tx; Branson Dwyane Wright of Odessa, TX; Amara Jade Wright of Odessa, TX; and Malia Aviana Wright of Odessa, TX; 11 step grandchildren and 12 step great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mattie Gertrude Grady of Helena, Montana, two brothers:Johnnie Mack Grady of Helena, Montana, and Russell Williams of Helena, Montana; two great grandchildren: Paisley Wright- of Odessa, Tx and Beckham Wright- of Odessa, Tx, one stepdaughter, Roshanda Davenport of Amarillo, TX, grandfather, John M. Williams- from Chicago, Illinois, and grandmother, Mattie Green-Williams from Tennessee.