Smyrna, SC – Norma Jean Martin of Smyrna, South Carolina, passed away on October 16, 2023. She is survived by her children: Rev. Rick (Beverly) Martin of Rock Hill, SC; and Pam (Jeff) Hughes of Hickory Grove, SC. She was beloved Nanny to four grandchildren: Josh (Heather) Martin, Melody (Matt) Aldridge, Tanner (Jaime) Hughes, and Baylee (Nick Aleshin) Hughes; and to eight great-grandchildren: Jailee Hughes, Hailey Martin, Kayla Olvey,, Maddox and Troy Eldridge, Maddie, Grady, and Lucy Aldridge. She also leaves behind special in-laws: Joanne Bolin, Donald (Marjorie) Martin, and Larry (Kathy) Martin and their families; special niece and nephews; and first cousins like sisters: Pauline Spencer, Penny Patterson, Tillie Cook, Jill Rice, and Inez McCraw; and dear to her heart, Lisa Spencer Davidson.
Mrs. Martin was born on February 9, 1936. Preceding her in death are her husband, Harry D. Martin; an infant daughter, Karen Jean Martin; parents Odell and Annie Mae Martin, and brother and sister –in-law, Rev. Alton & Diane Martin.
She was a York County Adult Education graduate. She worked at her husband’s Nationwide Insurance Agency, and the couple owned and operated Seven Acres Florist. A member of Hopewell Baptist Church in Blacksburg, she especially loved her Mary Gunn Sunday School class. She served in many church capacities over the years and sang in the church choir. She had a servant’s heart.
Mrs. Martin was well-known for sharing two of her favorite hobbies: growing roses and baking sourdough bread. She had over 100 rose bushes and tended them with great care to be able to make church arrangements and give them away to others. She baked sourdough bread and giving it to others gave her great joy. She was a loyal Clemson Tiger and Atlanta Braves fan.
On Friday, October 20, a viewing will be held from 10:00 AM- 10:45 AM at Broad River Baptist Church, Smyrna, South Carolina, prior to interment in the church cemetery at 11:00 AM. Celebration of Life services will be held Friday at Hopewell Baptist Church, Blacksburg, at 1:00 PM. The family will receive friends at the church after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Hopewell Baptist Church Youth Fund, 511 Old Chester Road, Blacksburg, South Carolina. The family is at their respective homes.
Condolences may be made to the Martin family at www.greenefuneralhome.net.