Rae Tarrant Obituary

Martha Rae Gorman Tarrant died at home on Wednesday, October 4 in the presence of her loving family. Many things to many people, she touched lives as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, counselor, and friend. Her life began on April 4, 1948, in Waxahachie, Texas as the second-born to William Raymond Gorman and Frances Baumgartner Gorman. Martha's upbringing and early education was in nearby Italy where she attended Italy public schools and worked at the town's S. M. Dunlap Library. Martha's love for music began at an early age as a student of the piano. Growing up in Italy, Martha's family were active members at Central Baptist Church where she would often play piano accompaniment for actress, singer, and songwriter Dale Evans - wife of singing cowboy Roy Rogers. She graduated as salutatorian from Italy High School in her class of 22 students. Following high school, she started going by her middle name of Rae and enrolled at Baylor University in 1966. During her undergraduate studies she was involved in acapella choir, the University Choir, and the School of Music honor society. Her involvement in the University's music programs afforded her the opportunity to tour and perform in various cities across the country. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. For her graduate studies, Rae earned a Masters of Guidance and Counseling from Lamar University - preparing her for a career in K-12 education. Rae accepted her first teaching position as a music teacher at DeQueen Elementary School in Port Arthur, Texas. She then transitioned to Thomas Edison Junior High School as a guidance counselor where she met her husband, Ron. They were married in 1980, and in 1984 were blessed with the birth of their son William. After a 17-year career in Port Arthur, they relocated their family to Pflugerville, Texas. The remaining years of Rae's career were spent at Pflugerville High School where she was a guidance counselor for 14 years. She retired in 2001 having touched the lives of so many young people during her 34-year career. Rae was a devout Episcopalian and active member at St. Paul Ellis County. She had a love for all things old and filled her home with unique antiques, vintage glassware, and one-of-kind pieces from around the world. She found great joy in hosting family and friends for holidays and was a talented cook. Rae is survived by her husband of 43 years, Ron, and their son William, husband to Ruthe and their daughters Lucy Rae and Noa Rae. Her older sister Jane precedes her in death. She is also survived by her niece and nephew and their families, niece Patricia Zuercher and her husband, David; nephew John Hicks and his wife, Kayla; and their children, Riley Hicks, Brady Hicks, and Rachel Zuercher. Rae is also survived by her dear friend and college roommate Vicki (Godmother to William), as well as numerous cousins, and friends.