Martha Ellen Townsend Marler, born September 6, 1925 in Harperville, MS, passed away Sunday November 19, 2023 at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, MS. She was 98.  The family held a graveside service at the Harperville Cemetery on November 21.

Mrs. Marler was preceded in death by her parents Alvie and Vadie Ray Townsend; her husband Rev. L. Parkes Marler; sisters Sammie Upton, Neldi Rose Lang, Lodena Myers, and brother Shannon Townsend.

Mrs. Marler is survived by daughter Gloria Glaze (David) of Brandon; sons Marcus Marler (Katrina) of Tennessee, Thomas Marler (Lilian) of Guam, and Philip Marler (Wendi) of Carthage; nine grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Marler learned about Jesus from her parents and from her church in Harperville, and once she trusted Jesus as her Savior she wanted to follow Him faithfully. She was a graduate of Harperville High School, East Central Junior College, Mississippi College, and New Orleans Baptist Seminary.

After Mississippi pastorates, God called the Marler's to be international missionaries and they were appointed by the Foreign Mission Board (currently IMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention. They served in South Korea from 1956 to 1968, Guam from 1968 to 1982, and Greece from 1982 to 1986.

Following her retirement, Mrs. Marler continued to teach others about Christ and promote missions through the Mississippi Women's Missionary Union (WMU) as a State Board Member and Area 6 Coordinator, and as the Director of the Scott County Association WMU and Harperville Baptist Church WMU. She was active in the Harperville Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and served as pianist.

Mrs. Marler loved her roles as wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed beautiful flowers from her garden and fresh vegetables from the garden she and Parkes planted every year. She delighted in cooking, and everyone enjoyed eating at their table! She blessed people around the world through her gift of Christian hospitality. She was a home decorator, counselor, musician, and always someone you could count on to organize a church or garden club project and get things done.

Mrs. Marler's love for her Lord Jesus Christ was evident to all who knew her. Her faithful Christian example and ministry changed the lives of people around the world, many of whom have also served as church leaders and missionaries.

Memorial contributions can be made to:

WMU
WMU Foundation, 100 Missionary Ridge, Birmingham, AL 35242 https://www.wmufoundation.com/waystogive

IMB

IMB Lottie Moon Offering: IMB Office of Finance, PO Box 6767, Richmond, VA 23230-0767 https://www.imb.org/generosity/give-now/