Mildred Martin Noah

Mildred Martin Noah, known to all as Milly, was born on March 25, 1935, in Clayton, Alabama, the first of five daughters born to Mack Henry and Mildred Martin. From the very beginning, her life unfolded under the quiet guidance of a God who, as she later came to understand, had written her days long before she ever knew Him by name. Milly was raised in a large, loving, and God-fearing family, where Sunday mornings were sacred, faith was practiced daily, and hospitality was a way of life. She was baptized as an infant in the Presbyterian Church in Clayton. She grew up attending Sunday School, church services, revivals, and Bible schools across denominations—learning Scripture, memorizing Psalms, and absorbing the steady example of parents who faithfully lived out the call to “train up a child in the way she should go.” She graduated from Clayton High School, attended Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg, Virginia, and later graduated from Auburn University. On August 6, 1955, she married the love of her life, Garrell “Garry” Noah Jr. Their marriage was rooted in devotion—both to one another and to God—and together they built a life marked by faith, service, and shared adventure. While Garry pursued medical training at Emory University and later Duke University, Milly worked as an elementary school teacher, nurturing young minds with patience and grace. Wherever life took them, one of their first priorities was always to find a church home. For Milly, church was not simply a place of worship, but a place of belonging, learning, and spiritual growth. In 1964, they settled in Selma, Alabama, where Dr. Noah practiced urology and where they raised their three sons. Selma became home for more than forty years—a place where Milly’s faith deepened through strong friendships, wise mentors, and meaningful worship. Her spiritual curiosity grew as she sought a fuller understanding of the Holy Spirit and God’s ongoing work in her life. Milly believed deeply that she was “fearfully and wonderfully made,” and that God had plans not only for her, but for everyone she loved—plans filled with hope, peace, and purpose. Her faith was not static; it matured over time through prayer, study, experience, and trust. She was baptized again as an adult in 1999, and in 2017, she was baptized once more in the Sea of Galilee during a trip to Israel —a moment that held profound spiritual meaning for her. An avid tennis player, skier, and bicyclist, Milly embraced life with joy and energy. She and Garry traveled widely, cycling across the United States and Europe with friends and family. In Athens, Alabama, where they later moved to be near family, Milly enjoyed bridge, book club, and rich conversations that often drifted toward matters of faith and life’s deeper questions. At Athens Methodist Church, Milly’s faith found both voice and purpose. On two occasions, she stood before the congregation to speak—not out of obligation, but out of conviction. Deeply concerned for the spiritual direction of the nation she loved, she led a heartfelt campaign she called “Pray for America.” Quoting II Chronicles 7:14, she called fellow believers to humility, prayer, and repentance, trusting that God alone could bring healing and guidance. Milly believed that America’s greatest need was not political change, but spiritual renewal and a return to faith in God. Milly and Garry were renowned for their gourmet dinners and extravagant parties. They regularly treated family and friends to holiday celebrations in their gracious home on Church Street in Selma, AL. Milly loved the Gulf Coast and spent many happy times at her condominium on Perdido Key. She spent several weeks this past fall enjoying the beach with extended family and friends Milly was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Anna Williams; and her beloved husband, Garry. She is survived by her sons, Alston Martin Noah (Lisa), Garrell Cela Noah, III. “Sandy” (Jennifer), and Lee Asher Noah (Sue); her grandchildren, Alston Noah Jr (Allie), Chandler Noah (Diego), Mary Payton Davis (Taylor), Brooke Harper (Michael), Taylor Noah, Asher Noah (Maria), Mallory Phillips (Will), 6 great grands with two more on the way. Milly’s life was a testimony to steady trust—a woman who kept seeking, kept praying, and kept walking with God. She now rests entirely in the presence of the One who knew her first, loved her completely, and faithfully led her home. The visitation will be Tuesday, December 30th, 2025, from 11:00 to 12:45 p.m., at Athens First Methodist in the Beasley Center, with John Rybert officiating. The funeral service will be Tuesday, at 1:00 p.m., at the church in the sanctuary. Pallbearers will be Harlow Fikes, Sanders Woodroof, Sam Williams, Martin Roberts, Jeff Ellis, David McKenzie, Neal Allen, and Jonathan Pettus. Burial will be at Roselawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Athens First Methodist Church.

Mildred Martin Noah

March 25, 1935 - December 28, 2025