MISS MARY LOU MARTIN

ANDERSON – Mary Lou Martin, 95, of Anderson died Saturday, March 13, 2010 at the Rainey Hospice House. 

Born May 12, 1914 in Anderson, she was the daughter of the late John Allen Martin and Annie Elliott McDavid Martin. She was a retired seamstress, volunteer for various organizations, avid worker in her community, member of the Anderson Garden Club and St. John’s United Methodist Church. Miss Martin was a volunteer for Anderson Area Medical Center for 25 years, working in labor and delivery, making packets for new mothers, delivering flowers and updating patient records, always walking to the hospital in rain or snow. She was the first Hospice volunteer in Anderson and was one of the favorites of the volunteers at the Rainey Hospice House; always willing and eager to do whatever was needed. 

When she was 86, she received the Service to Mankind Award, bestowed upon her by the Anderson Sertoma Club. On June 28, 1990, she was awarded a Certificate of Recognition for conscientious and dedicated community service from Modern Woodmen of America. In  1996, the State Annual Convention of the Physically Handicapped Society chose her as their “Queen” and in 1997 she won the state award for the “Most Outstanding Female.” In 2001, she was presented Croxton Award, by the SC Physically Handicapped Society. In 2002, she was the runner-up for the Croxton Award. 

She was well known for her hobby of making dried flower stationary, of which everyone in the family and friends has been honored to receive. She is also well known for her decorated wedding cakes and cheese straws. Her ability to teach, even though she was deaf and could read lips, came in many forms; through all the Scrabble games, Crossword puzzles, sewing tips, cooking hints, table and flower decorations, landscaping ideas, interior design, dolls and toy collections and of course her many books. She started recycling before anyone and would take endless supplies to the Physically Handicapped Boys and Girls on Main Street, who seemed to love to get these recyclables and create a treasure from any remnant.  

She is the last surviving member of her immediate family. She is survived by various nieces, nephews and great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 3 brothers, John Allen Martin, Roddy Martin and Jack Martin; sister, Caroline M. Hawkins and special friend Barney Darby. 

Funeral service will be held at 3pm Tuesday at St. John’s United Methodist Church with Dr. William R. Childs officiating. A private burial will follow after the service at Ebenezer Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday from 6 until 8 at Sullivan-King Mortuary, Northeast Chapel, 3205 Hwy 81 N. 

The family is at the home of the nephew, John Hawkins, 1301 Bryant Road in Anderson.

Flowers are optional; memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621 or St. John’s United Methodist Church, 303 E. River Street, Anderson, SC 29624.

SULLIVAN-KING MORTUARY, NORTHEAST CHAPEL www.sullivanking.com