Life Estate Gifts: Living Simply, Giving Faithfully

A retired schoolteacher, she loved children deeply, teaching Sunday school, leading Bible studies and later serving as Noel's Children's Center director. Rev. Mimi McDowell,who was a pastor at Noel when Martha arrived and later officiated her funeral, recalls, "Martha loved, loved, loved children and was very good with them. Everyone commented on how good she was with children."

Martha and her husband, Joe, to whom she was married for 53 years, even served as missionaries in Gaza early in their lives. She was known as a prayer warrior-empathetic, kindhearted and deeply committed to caring for others.

Years ago, at a Foundation presentation at Noel, Martha learned about the possibility of making a gift through a life estate. The seed was planted, and when she later inherited her parents' home in Gilliam, she chose to use it for good. Martha designated the Louisiana Methodist Children's Home, in honor of her love for children, and Gilliam UMC, her parents' church, as beneficiaries.

When Martha passed away in 2024 at age 84, the Foundation sold the home and established two endowments-one for the Children's Home and one for Gilliam UMC. These endowments will bless lives for generations to come.

A life estate gift allows donors to give real estate to the Foundation while retaining use of the property during their lifetime. It's a simple, meaningful way to make a lasting impact without needing great wealth.

Martha's story is a powerful reminder that generosity is not about wealth-it's about the heart. She lived simply, but gave faithfully, leaving behind a legacy of love that continues to bless both her church family and countless children in need.