Martha Virginia Philmon

Martha Virginia Philmon, resident of Baton Rouge, passed at the age of 86 on September 25, 2026. She was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana on June 8,1940 to her parents James Washington Philmon, Sr. and Clara Virginia (McCurley) Philmon. She earned her nursing diploma from the Mather School of Nursing in New Orleans in 1961 and later studied at Texas Women's University from 1968 to 1969. Martha dedicated her life to the care of those around her as a noteworthy American nursing administrator. Over a career spanning several decades, she served as a Director of Nursing (DON), supervisor, and clinical director across numerous healthcare facilities in Louisiana, Texas, Connecticut, and Utah. Beyond her clinical leadership, she was an officer for the Louisiana State Nursing Home Association, a member of the National Association for Home Care, and served as treasurer for Nurses in Action. Martha was also a veteran of the United States Air Force, proud to have served her country as a Captain from 1970 to 1972. Outside of her career, her personal interests include fishing, photography, cross-stitch, and music. She will be dearly missed by all those that love her and those she leaves behind.

She is survived by sister Evelyn Marie Philmon Estes (Buddy), brothers William Hardtner Philmon “Bill” and Jake Carrol Philmon (Patricia), sister-in-law Helen Crabtree Philmon, nieces Jeanette Hoffpauir (Terrance), Carolyn Sunde (Ole), Sharon Detter, Sherri Hotard (Chris), Rhonda Cairo (Jimmy), Trish Philmon, April Robertson, Kimberly Lucas (Todd), Pamela Stockwell (Ryan) and Tiffany Dugas (John), nephew James Estes Jr. (Mandy), numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, Pastor John Carsey, Angel Vernon, Peggy Lirette, ‘Tuesday Sunday School’ group of friends, and furry companion Daisy.

She is preceded in passing by her parents James Washington Philmon, Sr. and Clara Virginia (McCurley) Philmon, brothers James W. Philmon Jr. and Glen E. Philmon Sr., nephew Glen Philmon Jr., sister-in-laws Nina Philmon and Mary Ann Philmon, and life-long dear friend Virginia “Ginny” C. Massey.

Services will be held at Living Hope Fellowship Church (1180 S. Flannery Rd, Baton Rouge LA 70815) on Monday, October 5, 2026 at 11:00am. A celebratory lunch will follow at the Church.