She was a “good and faithful servant”, and hers was a life well lived. Enola Norton Martrain died on December 10, 2021, at the age of 97. She was born in Baton Rouge, LA, where she resided all of her life. Enola was the only daughter of Clifton Norton, Sr. and Stella Miller Norton and sister to three brothers. She was married to Sam (BoBo) Martrain, and they had two sons, Ricky and Dale. She was an openly honest person, unafraid to tell you how she felt, or voice a wise opinion. She was an intelligent, caring, sharing person who warmly welcomed people into her home. Many accepted, as she was an excellent cook. She would tell you that she learned to cook and bake cookies from many members of her husband’s large, Italian family. She quickly became a favorite aunt of her numerous nieces and nephews, whom she called her “other children”. She graciously became the surrogate mother to many after their own parents died. Naturally, she then became the Martrain historian. From Matthew 25, we learn that Jesus said, “whatever you do for others, you do for me.” Enola was faithful to God and devoted to her Baptist faith, generous until her death. She trusted God and prayed daily. Her acceptance of her long life and recent suffering was inspirational, although she wondered aloud why God kept her here so long. She never lost her sense of humor and her witty remarks always lightened moods. Enola loved fishing, bowling and watching many sports events, especially tennis. But her ardent love was for her two sons, her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is survived by her son, Dale Martrain (Cindy) of Baton Rouge, Betty Martrain, daughter-in-law, grandsons, Shane Martrain, George Martrain (Abbey), Matthew Martrain; granddaughters, Shannon Martrain, Kristina Martrain Vickers (Jim); great grandchildren, Landon Martrain, Tanner Martrain, Gavin Martrain, Lucas Martrain, Stephen Vickers, Gabby Vickers, Kylie Martrain, Mason Martrain. She is preceded in death by Sam (BoBo) Martrain, husband, Ricky Martrain, son, Suzanne Martrain, granddaughter, her parents, Clifton Sr., and Stella Norton, as well as her brothers, Clifton Jr., Lloyd and Winston (Red) Norton.
The family would like to thank Dr. Adhvaryu, Dr. Littleton, Dr. “Trip”, Dr. Chema and all of nurses and staff at Baton Rouge General Hospital. A special thanks to her caregivers, Wendy Carmouche, and most recent caregivers Jennie Green, Tan Johnson, Stephanie Green and Wanda Jenkins. A visitation will be held at Istrouma Baptist Church on Thursday, December 16, 2021 from 9:00 am until noon, followed by services. Pallbearers are George Martrain, Matthew Martrain, Jim Vickers, Jeff Martrain, Donald Martrain, Chip Martrain and honorary pallbearer, Shane Martrain. Burial will be at Greenoaks Memorial Cemetery on Friday at 10 am.
