Martha Jane Nolen's Obituary
Martha Jane Nolen, 77, died January 6, 2010 at Saint Francis Hospital. A native Memphian, she was preceded in death by her parents John and Lillie Jamison Nolen and her brother Leslie Clifford Nolen, Sr. She is survived by a brother, Clyde Nolen (Sarah) of Ashland, MS and ten nephews and nieces. Retired from the Memphis Park Commission and the Internal Revenue Service, she served in several capacities including Director of Brooks Museum of Art, Director of Women’s and Girl’s Athletics, and Director of Recreation. She also taught at Immaculate Conception Cathedral School and coached high school basketball at St. Agnes Academy. A graduate of Humes High School and then Memphis State College, she was a diehard supporter of the Tigers. An avid athlete, she played in the Women’s World Series of Softball as a member of the Dixie All-Stars. She loved to travel and did so extensively in all states and abroad with a particular fondness for Nova Scotia and the coast of Oregon. She was loved by family and friends and noted for her uncommon generosity, loyalty, and strong faith. She lived a life of service to others that included providing food and clothing to those in need, helping shepherd the benefits of city retirees, and enhancing artistic, athletic, and recreational opportunities for Memphis youth. The family will receive friends Sunday, January 10, 2010 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held Monday, January, 11, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church, 706 S. Highland, Memphis. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Anne Catholic Church Education Fund.
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