Martha Pipkins

In Loving Memory of Martha Ray Pipkins (1946–2025) On Friday, September 5, 2025, Martha Ray Pipkins peacefully departed this life at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy of grace, devotion, and quiet strength that will echo through generations. Martha was the cherished daughter of the late Walter Cooper, Sr. and Ida K. Cooper, born on June 9, 1946, in New Orleans, LA. She was a beloved wife to Oscar P. Pipkins and a guiding light to her daughters, Janelle James and Sharvon Kamaya, whose lives were shaped by her unwavering love and wisdom. Martha’s nurturing spirit extended far beyond her immediate family. She was a proud grandmother of six, each of whom carries a piece of her heart and her values. She also lovingly embraced two bonus grandchildren, three godchildren, and was a treasured aunt to a host of nieces and nephews who found comfort and counsel in her presence. A graduate of Dillard University School of Nursing, Martha began her career at Mercy Hospital, where she served as a pioneering charge nurse. She later worked for the City of New Orleans Health Department as a Well Child Clinic Nurse Supervisor until her retirement in 2006. Martha was a lifelong member of First African Baptist Church of the 6th District, baptized by Rev. Dr. C. S. Gordon, Sr. She served faithfully as a deaconess, Sunday School teacher, and Senior Choir member, dedicating her life to faith, family, and service. Martha’s life was a quiet testament to faith, resilience, and compassion. Whether offering a listening ear, a warm meal, or a word of encouragement, she gave freely and fully. Her home was a haven, her heart a sanctuary. She was preceded in death by her siblings Walter Cooper, Jr., Eddie Cooper, and Mary Ann Cooper, with whom she shared deep familial bonds and enduring memories. Martha leaves behind to cherish her memory, her husband of 48 years, Oscar P. Pipkins; two daughters, Janelle James (Justin) and Sharvon Kamaya (Gino); four grandsons, Peter James, Mason James, Marcel James, and Ethan James; 2 granddaughters, Justine James and Ariyah Kamaya; two bonus granddaughters, Christina Agastinho and Kimorah Djoko; brother-in-law, Morris Pipkins; sister-in-law, Brenda Adams-Byrd; aunts, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, church members, and neighbors. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to celebrate her life at a funeral service on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, 2805 General Taylor Street. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM, followed by the service at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.