Martha graduated from Minden High School in 1968 and attended Louisiana Tech University for three semesters. At the age of 21, she answered a call to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in the Buenos Aires, Argentina Mission from October 1971 through April 1973.
Martha was married to Dan Cole, with whom she shared many years of marriage until his passing in July 2018. She had a deep and lasting love of reading. Books were a source of enjoyment, comfort, and companionship throughout her life, and she treasured the opportunity to become absorbed in a good story, discover new ideas, and spend quiet hours with a book in hand. Her love of reading was a meaningful part of who she was and one of the simple pleasures she enjoyed throughout her life.
Martha will be remembered and missed by her sister, Bobette Acree of Newnan, Georgia; her brother, J. Bruce Johns of Bossier City, Louisiana; and her sister, Gail Baxter of Haughton, Louisiana.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dan Cole; her father, J.B. Johns; and her mother, Georgia Lawrence Johns.
A graveside Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. at Centuries Memorial Park, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108.
Burial will follow at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home & Park in the American Heritage section, Lot 121, Space 1.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Willis Knighton North staff and also the staff at The Carpenter House Hospice.
Martha's memory will live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew and loved her.
