Martha "Marty" Marie Brierley

Martha “Marty” Marie Brierley 

March 20, 1947 – October 22, 2026

Martha “Marty” Marie Brierley, 79, of Casper, Wyoming, passed away on October 22, 2026, just 66 days after the passing of her husband of 50 years, Michael “Mike” Dale Brierley. 

Marty was born on March 20, 1947, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was raised by her parents, Harold and Mildred Lumsden, and moved with her family to Denver, Colorado, as a young child. 

In first grade, Marty met her lifelong best friend, Sharon. The two grew up together, attended school together, graduated together, and even went on to beauty school side by side. Unfortunately, a freak accident involving a falling chair brought Marty’s dreams of completing beauty school to an unexpected end. But her friendship with Sharon continued throughout their lives. 

Marty later worked as a dispatcher for the Denver Police Department. It was Sharon’s husband, Les, who introduced her to a young man named Michael “Mike” Brierley. That introduction would lead to a lifetime together. 

On October 4, 1975, Marty and Mike were married at Highland Christian Church in Denver, with Sharon and Les standing beside them as attendants in their wedding. Fifty years later, on October 4, 2025, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. 

Mike and Marty began their married life in Denver before moving to York, Nebraska, and later to Grand Junction, Colorado. In 2006, they settled in Casper, Wyoming, where they made their home for the next 20 years.

Marty spent much of her married life as a homemaker, caring for their home, their beloved dogs, and Mike. She was also a talented artist who especially enjoyed ceramics. She had a gift for turning ordinary ceramic pieces into beautiful creations, and her family will treasure the things she made with her own hands. 

Marty was quiet and reserved by nature, never one who needed to be the center of attention. She was often happiest behind the scenes, enjoying the simple things in life and supporting the people she loved. 

And supporting Mike was certainly an adventure of its own! 

Whether he was racing cars, rebuilding his latest project, or playing music with one of his bands, Marty was often right there alongside him. While Mike might have been the one behind the wheel or behind the drum kit, Marty was an important part of those adventures, sharing in his interests and cheering him on. 

But don’t let her quiet nature fool you. Marty had a stubborn and feisty side of her own, which undoubtedly came in handy during 50 years of marriage to Mike! And when life—or Mike—tested her patience, her familiar “Oh, man!” often said everything that needed to be said. 

Although Marty and Mike never had children of their own, family took many forms throughout their lives. Marty was a cherished honorary mother to Garijo Martinson and a grandmother and great-grandmother to the generations who followed. She shared in their lives, celebrations, and memories, leaving a place in their hearts that will always belong to her. 

Family took many forms throughout Marty and Mike’s lives. They also helped raise Mike’s niece, Michelle Coursey, and nephew, Jimmy Brierley, playing an important role in their younger years. 

Marty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Michael “Mike” Dale Brierley, who passed away on August 17, 2026. 

She is survived by her brother, Steve Lumsden; her honorary daughter, Garijo Martinson, and her husband, Brian; her grandchildren, Wyatt Brierley and his wife, Hailee; Breyden Martinson; Brynna Brierley; and Peyton Martinson; and her great-granddaughters, Lily and Rayne Brierley. She also leaves behind her lifelong best friend, Sharon, and others whose lives she touched. 

Just 66 days separated Mike’s passing from Marty’s. After celebrating 50 years of marriage only a year earlier, their family now says goodbye to them both within such a short time. 

Marty will be remembered for her quiet strength, her creativity, her devotion to those she loved, her stubborn streak, and that unmistakable “Oh, man!” that her family can still hear so clearly. 

And somewhere in the memories of those who knew them best, it’s easy to imagine Mike starting another one of his adventures and Marty shaking her head, smiling, and saying one more time, “Oh, man!” 

Together for 50 years. Loved and remembered always.

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