Martha was born in West Monroe, Louisiana to James Allan Norris, Sr. and Tommye Jean Conner Norris. She graduated from West Monroe High School and then attended Louisiana Tech University, where she was a member of Phi Mu sorority. After graduation from Tech, she completed a Master of Science degree in Nutrition at Cornell University. While attending Cornell, she met her future husband, Harry, on a blind date. They were married for 60 years.
After raising 3 girls, Martha returned to work and taught Clinical Nutrition in the College of Nursing at the University of South Alabama. She also served as Director of Student Services for the College.
Martha had many talents – she was an accomplished pianist, a wonderful cook and a talented seamstress, needlepointer, and bridge player. She also loved to travel with Harry. Together they visited many countries and enjoyed several cruises.
She is preceded in death by her parents. Martha leaves behind her loving husband, Harry Surline; her three children, Anne Surline Townsend (Keith), Kathryn Surline Windsor (Davin), and Jennifer Surline Dismukes (John); her three grandchildren, Ella Townsend, Jack Dismukes and Will Dismukes: her brother, James Norris, Jr.; and her nephew, Jim Norris and niece, Joy Norris.
The family would like to recognize Martha’s dear friend, Sue Holmes. A special thank you also goes to Courtney Nix and homeRN for providing Martha with care and kind assistance.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Corpus Christi Catholic Church on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 10 a.m. Visitation will be held at Radney Funeral Home on Dauphin Street on Wednesday, October 21, from 5-7 p.m. Interment will be in Mobile Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the USA College of Nursing or Corpus Christi Catholic Church.
