Minister Jessie "Penny" Nevers-Martin

Minister Jessie Martin affectionally known as Penny, was born on October 12, 1955, to the late Eula Mae Thomas Jones and Jake Martin of Beaumont, TX. She was adopted by the late Elsie Thomas Nevers and the late Clarence (Bubba) Nevers. She was reared and raised in Houma, La, where she resided until the time of her departure.

Penny was a beautiful woman, with a beautiful spirit, that embodied the love and attitude of God. She loved to give, serve, help, encourage, organize, craft, and used all of her God given abilities to His glory, and to bless others.

Penny was always found in the service of the Lord. She accepted the Lord and was baptized at a young age. As a young child and into her adult years she was a faithful member of New Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church, in Houma, LA. There she served as the church secretary, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, organized programs, and community events. She was an active member of the 5th District Baptist Association. Penny served as the President of the Terrebonne Women’s Association for 22 years.

Following the voice of God, Penny moved her church membership to Faith, Dominion, and Power Ministries, where she was a founding member. There she served as the secretary until she accepted her calling to preach the Gospel. She was ordained as minister by Bishop Verrett and continued to serve her church and community, under the leadership of her current Pastor Alvin Celestine. She enrolled in United Theological Seminary and Bible College of Houma to further her knowledge in Christ. During the Pandemic Penny organized the Women of Worth Prayer Group, where she would encourage women over the phone during this difficult season.

Many knew that Penny loved Gospel music. She was a member of the Joy Gospel Singers and traveled various places singing God’s praises. She did not stop there, Penny would bring the sounds of Gospel to the tri parish area, displaying the talents of singers across the southern states. Through these musical encounters, she gained family and friends that would last a lifetime. It was her passion for the uplifting sounds of the Gospel that kept her strong, even in her weakest moments. Most recently she served as the manager and honorable member of God’s Creation Choir of Houma, LA, founded by Bro. Nick Ward.

In 2023, Penny became a resident of Chateau Terrebonne Nursing Community. Even with declining health, she continued to be a blessing to others. While there she made friends, crafted flowers, pins, corsages and so much more. She helped plan events and even kept up with the beat on the street.

Thanks to the owners and staff of Chateau Terrebonne, the medical teams of Thibodaux Regional, AMG Specialty, Terrebonne General, devoted friends and family, and all who loved Penny, until the Lord called her home.

She touched so many lives, and she will truly be missed. She leaves to cherish her memory, three brothers, Michael Jones of Houma, LA, Lionel Smith, and Henry Jones both of Denver CO. Two sisters Mary Susan Jones, of Denver, CO, and Patricia T. Hartman of Houma, LA. One aunt Lizzie M. Guidry of Houma, LA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her birth mother, Eula Mae Thomas and adopted parents, Elsie T. Nevers and Clarence (Bubba) Nevers. Godparents, Bishop Arthur V and Gracie Verrett: uncles, Matt, Jr., Herbert, Wilton, Jeff, George, Jasper, Benjamin, Isaac, Otis, and Rev. Saul Thomas.

All are invited to celebrate her life, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 11am. A memorial service will be held at New Mt. Pilgrim MBC, 144 Banks Street, Houma, LA, Rev. Troy Smith, Host Pastor, Rev. Donald Stovall, Officiant.