Lurline Martin Hilbun

Lurline was born on August 4, 1930, in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, to James Henry Martin and Katie Eliza Pickering Martin, both educators. She graduated from Mississippi College in 1951 with a degree in Sociology, shortly after marrying the love of her life, Joel P. Hilbun of Soso, Mississippi. Together, they dedicated their lives to Christian ministry.

Lurline actively participated with Joel in the life of ministry together at seven pastorates- Center Ridge Baptist, Carmichael, MS (1951-1953); Associate pastor/Music director, Calvary Baptist, Mobile, AL (1953-1955); Magnolia Baptist, Saline (1955-1957); FBC Gueydan (1957-1971); Victoria Baptist, Baton Rouge (1971-1986), Pastor of Church of the Nations (in the 90’s), and most recently Senior Pastor of Vietnamese Hope, Baton Rouge.

In addition to her ministry involvement, Lurline taught elementary school in Gueydan and Baton Rouge and later worked for the Louisiana Employment Security Office until her retirement.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Lurline exemplified a life of Christian service. She served in numerous church roles, including pianist, Bible teacher, Vacation Bible School director, and missions leader with organizations such as Sunbeams, Girls in Action, Royal Ambassadors, and the Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU). She led and encouraged local Korean and Vietnamese congregations in establishing WMU programs.

Lurline committed her life to Christ at the age of 12 and remained a dedicated student of the Bible throughout her life. She was known for her unwavering prayer ministry, beginning each day at 5:00 a.m. in prayer and scripture study, faithfully lifting up her family, church members, missionaries, and national leaders.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 74 years, Rev. Joel P. Hilbun of Baton Rouge; their son Joel D. Hilbun (Henrietta) of Scott, Louisiana; daughters Kaye Smith (Al) of Central, Louisiana, and Joy Mohr (Jeff) of Bush, Louisiana; grandchildren David, Michael (Lauren) and Kevin Hilbun; Stephanie Rojas (Ely), Michelle Callender, Katie Smith, Lindsey Liles (Shane); David, Jonathan, Benjamin, and Bayli Mohr; great-grandchildren Taylor Callender and Alexander Martel; Will Catton; Nora, Clara, and Myra Liles; sisters Eva Maye Baxter and Rita Faye Williams; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be her grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 1, 2025, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Greenoaks Funeral Home, with the service to follow at 10:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor Nguyễn Trọng Vinh. Interment will follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) or Vietnamese Hope Baptist Church in Baton Rouge.

The family extends their sincere appreciation to the congregation of Vietnamese Hope Baptist Church, friends, and extended family for their prayers and support as Lurline’s health declined.

The family also thanks Hospice of Baton Rouge and numerous caregivers for their compassionate and dedicated care.