Nina B. Martin

Nina Baker Martin passed away peacefully at NHC Mauldin on July 3, 2023, twenty-three days before her 102nd birthday. Nina was born on July 26, 1921, to the late Wilson Joyce and Ethel Atkinson Baker. Nina married Pepper Martin of Fairforest, SC on June 5, 1942. They celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on June 5, 2017, shortly before Pepper passed away. Pepper and Nina have three married children: Ethel (Jim) Childress, Jim (Dewanda) Martin, and Joyce (Lew) Moss. They also have five grandchildren and six great grandchildren: Mark Childress with Faxon and McCain; Stephen Childress, his wife Beth with Emma June; Ben Martin and his wife Kristina with Eli; Mary Blanche Kraemer, her husband J.R. with Mackinley and Annie-Kate; and Jay Moss. Pepper and Nina were inseparable and lived their Christian faith. Their love of family produced countless hours of laughter, community and memorable experiences.

Nina’s childhood was in Mt. Croghan, SC and Cheraw, SC. She lived in close proximity to her grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins. She had a happy childhood surrounded by love, family and friends. She grew up with three brothers Donald, Glynn and Karlo.

Nina graduated from Furman University in June 1942. She was selected to Senior Order, a lifetime leadership honor society established in 1937. Selection is based on scholarship and character and includes criteria such as emotional maturity, open-mindedness, cooperativeness, unselfish service, integrity and responsibility and humility in leadership. It is considered one of the highest honors a graduating senior can receive at Furman University. She enjoyed the comradery of their yearly reunion at Homecoming.

Nina lived most of her adult life in Florence, SC. She taught English at Moore Junior High and West Florence High School. Her students described her as a hard but fair teacher. In later years numerous students praised her for their preparation in English and the ability to write college essays and answer narrative questions. Several years ago, one of her former students told one of Nina’s children that even today if she gets stuck while writing she asks herself “What would Mrs. Martin do”.

Nina was also known for her quick wit and sense of humor. Once during an English test on changing present tense to plural, one of her students raised his hand and said, “Mrs. Martin you have radio on the test twice”. She immediately responded, “The second one is FM”.

Nina is also remembered for teaching an Adult Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church in Florence, SC for over 30 years. The Class loved her lessons because she was always prepared and the depth and breadth of her knowledge of the Bible was extraordinary. Church members also recognized her spirituality. It was commonplace for members to confide in her and ask her to pray for them, their families or certain situations. Her counsel was sought even during her years at assisted living and nursing homes.

Since February 2022 Nina was confined to bed and received around the clock care. The family is grateful to Nina’s caregivers, Cynthia, Nakita and Sue. Their care and love lifted Nina up and helped make her final months safe, happy and joyful.

The Family is also appreciative of the care and love given to Nina by Lutheran Hospice in Greenville, SC. They monitored Nina and keep her comfortable in her final months. NHC – Mauldin also provided a safe and comfortable environment the last 18 months of her life.

A graveside service for the family will be held on July 7th at Chatham Hill Memorial Gardens in Cheraw, SC.

For anyone interested, memorials may be made to First Baptist Greenville Mission Fund, 847 Cleveland Street, Greenville, SC 29601 or to the charity of your choice.

Kiser Funeral Home has been entrusted to serve the Martin family in their time of grief.

Online condolences may be made at www.kiserfuneralhome.com.