Martha Ann Nowland

Martha Ann True Nowland was born on October 12, 1932 to Harry B True and Bessie Slankard True. She transitioned peacefully from this earthly life to her heavenly home on Monday, August 25, 2025 at the age of 92 years, 10 months and 13 days. Martha and her siblings Jody and Ron were born into a large family with 13 aunts and uncles. Family was everything to them growing up, and some of their aunts and uncles that were near their age were more like cousins. Martha married Cecil B Nowland, the love of her life, on December 27, 1951. Together they had four children, Debbie, Carol, David and Becky. Martha is now reunited with those loved ones that went before her: Her Father, Harry Blake True and her Mother, Bessie Slankard True. Her husband Cecil Bailey Nowland. Her Sister Jody True Quinten and her brother Ronald Blake True. Along with several aunts, uncles and grandparents. Martha is survived by her children: Debbie Burling and husband Richard of Tulsa, OK Carol Jones and husband Jerry of Katy, TX David Nowland and wife Terrie of Owasso, OK Becky McKenzie and husband Brad of Smyrna, GA She is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 16 great- grandchildren - who are her pride and joy. As Charter members of Eastwood Baptist Church, Martha and Cecil were part of the group that worked to organize the church and attended first day of services on June 24, 1956. She taught 2nd grade Sunday School for years and then worked in the nursery for many years after that. In 1981 Martha saw a need to help brides plan their weddings in a more economical way and started the Eastwood Wedding Ministry with several other volunteers. They did everything from connecting couples to caterers, photographers, bakeries and decorators. They bought decorations, candelabra's, dishes, serving pieces, silverware and coffee makers to provide for use on wedding days. Martha unofficially took on the role as church hostess. She was called upon to gather volunteers to provide meals for funerals, church parties and fellowships and other occasions as needed. When the women’s ministry began holding their annual Christmas Tea, she just had to be involved in that and had continued to do so every year. Martha truly did have the busy nature and servant heart of her Biblical Namesake. One of Martha’s joys in life was working in the Eastwood Summer Day Camp. We aren’t sure exactly how many years she did that, but she continued to touch kids lives until her 89th birthday arriving at 6:00 am for parents to drop off kids on their way to work and remaining until 6:00 pm when the last kid was picked up. Still today, she will have young adults in their late 20’s and 30’s come up to her and ask if she is “Miss Martha” - that they remember her from Day Camp. Because Martha lost Cecil at the young age of 58, she lived a very rich life on meager resources for the past 36 years. Though she lacked earthly wealth, she exuded a spirit of giving, leaving a legacy in the lives of a myriad of individuals. When Jesus told the parable of the Widow’s mite, he could have been referencing Martha Nowland. Though she had little, she gave what little she had. Because she has Jesus, she had enough! In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Honor of Martha Nowland to The John 3:16 Mission in Tulsa.

Martha Ann Nowland

November 12, 1932 - August 25, 2025