Martha R. Nolen

Martha R. Nolen, 88, of Martinsville, VA passed peacefully on June 29, 2024. She was born in Patrick County on September 20, 1935, to the late Peter Jennings and Lera H. Rakes. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Calvin F. Nolen, and infant daughter, Janet Leigh Nolen; half-brothers, Kermit, Herbert and Roy Rakes; and half-sisters, Dorothy Morrision and Maybelle Flora.

She is survived by her daughter, June N. Slaughter (Ray) of Martinsville, VA, stepson, Calvin Wayne Nolen (Bev) of Millmont, PA, sisters, Sylvia Scruggs of Sacramento, CA and Beatrice Yvonne Maxwell of Las Vegas, NV; sisters-in-law, Geraldine Scott of Ferrum, VA, Geneva Martin of Collinsville, VA, and Norene Bussey of Ferrum, VA; granddaughter, Holly S. Haines (Luke) of Huntersville, N;, great-granddaughters, Addison, Ainsley, and Amelia Haines of Huntersville, NC; and many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Martha was a graduate of Woolwine High School and Valedictorian of her class. She was employed by E. I. DuPont as a P.T. Lab Technician for over 36 years. She enjoyed her retirement working alongside her loving husband on the Nolen Farms. She was an avid supporter of the American Red Cross as a blood donor and the Blue Ridge Regional Library. Martha attended the Presbyterian Church of Collinsville.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 5, 2024, at 12:00 noon at Norris Funeral Services, Martinsville Chapel officiated by Reverend John Wiederholt, with family visitation one hour prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Interment will follow at Roselawn Burial Park.

A special thank you to the staff at Amedisys Hospice, Mulberry Creek Long Term Memory Care, and Mulberry Creek Assisted Living for the loving and compassionate care of Matha.

If you wish, memorial donations in Martha’s memory may be made to the Blue Ridge Regional Library Large Print Books fund.

Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory of Martinsville, VA is serving the Nolen family.