Mrs. Donna Zembower Martin, 89, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. A native of Centerville, Pennsylvania, Donna later made her home in Cumberland, Maryland, before settling in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
A memorial service will be held Monday, July 13, 2026 at 1 PM at First Presbyterian Church at 234 E. Main Street, Rock Hill, SC, 29732.
She was the daughter of the late Clark and Vesta Zembower. She was the devoted wife of the late Gaither “Sonny” Garland Martin, with whom she shared 54 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2011. Together they built a home centered on faith, love, and family.
Donna was a faithful Christian whose life reflected the love and grace of Jesus Christ. She faithfully served the Lord through her church, First Presbyterian Church of Rock Hill, through her home, and by the countless quiet ways she cared for others. Her greatest ministry was loving her family well and faithfully pointing them toward Christ through both her words and her example.
She found joy in life’s simple blessings. She loved cooking meals for those she loved and creating a warm, welcoming home where everyone felt like family. No one ever left her table hungry, and no one left her home without feeling loved. More than anything, Donna treasured her family. Her greatest happiness came from being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and dear friends.
She celebrated every milestone, faithfully prayed for those she loved, and left each of us with memories that will continue shaping our lives for generations to come. Though illness gradually weakened her body, it never diminished her kindness, her gentle spirit, or her steadfast faith. Even in suffering, she remained an example of quiet strength, courage, and unwavering trust in God’s promises. She looked forward with peace to the day she would be reunited with her beloved husband and enter the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gaither Garland Martin; her parents, Clark and Vesta Zembower; her brothers, George Zembower and Alvin Zembower; her sisters, Nora Snyder and her cherished fraternal twin sister, Doris Reeder; her granddaughter, Carrie Ann Martin; her great-grandson, Grady Bryant Keener; and a beloved unborn great-grandchild.
She is survived by her son, Greg (Kathi) Martin of Cumberland, Maryland; her daughters, Kathy (John) Blackwelder and Amy (David) Musselman, both of Rock Hill, South Carolina; her grandchildren, Megan (Dave) Keener of Rock Hill, South Carolina; Andrew (Rachael) Martin of Cumberland, Maryland; Matthew (Kellie) Blackwelder of Newport News, Virginia; Jonah Wilson of Rock Hill, South Carolina; her step-grandchildren, Stephanie (Andy) Krieger of Ridgeley, West Virginia; Audrey (Steve) Morrison of Jersey City, New Jersey; and Ethan Musselman of Charlotte, North Carolina; her cherished great-grandchildren, Rhett, Julia, Jackson, Bryson, Emersyn, and Charlotte; as well as numerous nephews, nieces, extended family members, and many dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by her love.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Donna Martin to First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1011, Rock Hill, SC, 29731, or to Hospice and Community Care at Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House, 2275 India Hook Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732.
Condolences may be made at greenefuneralhome.net.