Martha Lynn Core, born on Dec. 13, 1949, in Elizabeth, La., passed away after a lengthy battle with primary lateral sclerosis (PLS). She was received into the loving arms of Jesus and her parents, Lee Berchman Crews and Peggy Joyce Crews, surrounded by her beloved friends and family. 

Following her high school graduation from St. Charles Academy in 1967, Martha took a bus to New Orleans to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a Registered Nurse where she graduated from Charity Hospital School of Nursing in 1971. Her passion for nursing earned her the respect and admiration of her friends and the esteemed medical community, even inspiring her younger sister Melanie to enter the field. Throughout her remarkable 50 year career, she was privileged to work at every Lake Area hospital, she spent time as a travel nurse in Napa Valley, and she retired in 2019 from West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital in Sulphur, La. Her dedication and unshakable commitment to the field of nursing was a “Core” part of who she was. 

Martha was also a devoted mother to the three children (Jessica, Stephen and Elizabeth) that she shared with Rayford Core. After many years of marriage, Martha and Rayford separated, but their children will forever cherish the selflessness they both held to ensure family birthdays, holidays and more were always spent together. Lovingly called ‘Mama’, Martha was a delicious cook and she passed down this passion to her three children. The family consistently enjoyed family meals together after Sunday church where everyone contributed. 

A devout member of Trinity Baptist Church for over 35 years, Martha was a faithful tither, she was actively involved in her church’s choir, she taught Sunday school, and she regularly participated in Bible study. Her beloved church family was her joy, bringing her many precious friendships and countless blessings. 

Martha had a village of friends and had a knack for naming some of her friendship circles. Most notably was the ‘Nightingale Sisterhood’. Meeting in the local ICU’s more than 40 years ago, Julia Baldwin, Cindy Brocato, Debbie Comeaux, Martha Core, Cyrena Hight, and Dru Roberts have laughed, cried, traveled, played and prayed together more times than can be counted. 

Later in life, she found a beloved partner and companion in Clodile, with whom she shared over 12 beautiful years. They had a deep love for gardening, finding joy and peace in tending to their bountiful vegetables and flowers. Tulips were Martha’s favorite. Her care for her garden is reflected in the family garden that she leaves behind. 

Martha’s dedication to service extended beyond her professional life. She spent 15 years as a member of the Philanthropic Education Organization chapter AD raising funds for women to further their education. She was an avid supporter of Family and Youth Counseling Agency. Her life was a testament to perseverance, compassion, and elegance, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

Martha was welcomed into Heaven on Aug. 25, 2024 by her parents, Lee Berchman Crews Sr. and Peggy Hanchey Crews, and her beloved, Clodile Romero. 

She is survived by her three children, Jessica Core, Stephen Core, and Elizabeth (Keith) Chiasson; grandchildren, Kaelyn Johnson, Andrew Johnson, Chaney Chiasson, Kamron Chiasson, Layton Core, and Alexandra Geurcio; sisters, Melanie Hallman and Dorothy Moorefield; brothers, Lee Berchman (Burke) Crews Jr., and Cobert Crews; one uncle, Jerry Crews, and one aunt, Dot Myers. Her legacy of love, service, and grace will continue to inspire all who knew her. 

Funeral services led by her pastor, Dr. David Rose, and the message by her longtime choir director and Pastor, Randy Monroe, to be held Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024 in the Central Venue of Trinity Baptist Church beginning at 1 p.m., with burial to follow at Prien Memorial Park. Family to receive friends Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024 beginning at 10 a.m. until time of service.

Those serving as pallbearers are Andrew Johnson, Layton Core, Kamron Chiasson, Jason Turner, Chad Moorefield, Gavin Core, Jacob Clark, and David McGahan.

Special thanks from children to “Aunt” Debbie Comeaux for her selfless devotion to facilitate the Martha Core standard of care for the last two years.

Our family expresses special gratitude to Team Martha who so lovingly tended to her special needs during her final days; Mica Blakelock, Pat Burton, Stephanie Fontenot, Jada Fontenot, Netra Ford, Shaylon Goodley, Georgelle McCown, Gail Morgan, Judy Murray, Donna Torres, Diane Watkins, and Jasmin Yantis.