Thelma Martin Nolen, age 91 of Oak Ridge, Tn, passed away surrounded by loving family and friends on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Oak Ridge, Tn. Thelma was born on December 27, 1933, in Clinton, Tn, to the late Ernest Clyde and Della Mae Martin. Thelma was of the Baptist faith and was retired from Y-12 Oak Ridge, where she worked as a security inspector and member of the department's tactical response team for many years. She was an accomplished sharpshooter and marksman and competed regionally and nationally for Y-12, earning honors as the top female shooter in the state of Tennessee at one point.

Thelma was known for her quick smile, sense of humor, adventurous spirit, courage, authenticity, and strong moral compass. She was always eager to work and help and was often found at friends' and family's homes helping build or repair something to improve their daily lives. She enjoyed being outdoors, Lady Vols basketball and softball, and returned to riding a motorcycle in her 40's. She enjoyed her Honda Goldwing until a stroke in her 60's weakened her grip enough to cause safety concerns.

Her primary focus, however, was being a fiercely devoted mother to her son and daughter with whom she shared very close relationships.

Along with her parents Thelma is preceded in death by her son Tony Nolen, former husband Ronald J. Nolen, brothers Cecil Martin, Roy Martin and Leon Martin, sisters Mildred Kite and Irene Martin. Thelma is survived by her daughter Teresa Nolen Pratt and husband Todd of Knoxville, brother R.L. Martin and wife Betty of Wisconsin, and sister Ernest Lou Riggs of Knoxville, TN.

The family will receive friends 5-7pm Friday, July 18 (service at 7pm) at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home, 621 S. Charles G. Seivers Blvd. , Clinton, Tn. Graveside services are scheduled for 2pm, Saturday, July 19, Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

Flowers received will be donated to Random Acts of Flowers after burial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.