Marthana Sewell

Marthana Hamblin Sewell was born in Jackson, Mississippi to Zera Waldrop Hamblin and Roy E. Hamblin on January 26, 1938 and she departed this earth to be with her Savior on November 24, 2020.

Marthana was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi and after graduating from Central High School, she attended TCU for two years, becoming an active member of the Delta Gamma Sorority. She then transferred to and graduated from Ole Miss in 1959 with a degree in journalism, also becoming a graduate of the John Robert Powers Modeling and Finishing school at that time. Marthana moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico being named as the Public Relations director for the United Way. It was in Albuquerque that she met the love of her life, Keith Sewell. They were married at First Christian Church in Jackson, Mississippi on July 8, 1966. After moving to Odessa, Texas, Marthana was named the Publicity Chair for the Odessa Newcomers Club in 1968. In April of 1971, Keith and Marthana Sewell welcomed twin girls, Susan and Sandra into the world. Even though Sandra was only in their lives for one day, she was always held in their hearts.

Marthana was always an active volunteer and a member of many clubs and organizations. She was a long-time member of the Odessa Panhellenic Club and represented them by often volunteering at the Odessa Well Baby Clinic. Marthana also made many life-long friends playing in several Bridge groups. She continued her journalism by writing articles for both the Odessan Magazine and the Odessa American newspaper. Marthana worked in the News and Information department of Odessa College from 1991 to 1998. She worked with the Permian Basin Regional Council on Alcoholism from 1995 to 2012 serving twice as their President. She was also awarded the Volunteer of the Year. Marthana was a long-time member of First Christian Church, frequently helping to write in the church newsletter and loving her time singing in the church choir there.

At age 73, Marthana began a lifelong dream of taking tap dancing lessons and even continued after having open heart surgery a few years later. Although she was not physically able to continue dancing, you could find her bouncing to the beat when good music came on and she always harmonized to the songs on the radio. If you knew Marthana, you knew she was an avid shopper and would hate to miss any good sales. Her positive attitude, beautiful smile, and sweet spirit never wavered.

Marthana is preceded in death by her parents, Zera and Roy Hamblin; and her infant daughter, Sandra.

She is survived by her husband, Keith A. Sewell; her daughter, Susan Henry and husband Jim Henry; and her grandchildren, Grace and Weston Henry.

Graveside Services will be held at 3:00 PM, Friday, December 11, 2020 at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Donations may be made in Marthana's honor to the Permian Basin Regional Counsel on Alcoholism, 120 E. 2nd St, Odessa, TX, 79761.