Martha Farrington Grant

Martha Farrington Grant of Central, South Carolina, died on May 10, 2026, at age 83. A native of Syracuse, NY, Grant was born on February 21, 1943, to George Lawson Farrington (1915-1971) and Elizabeth "Betty" Farrington Rogers (1920-2002). Martha graduated in 1961 from Melbourne High School, in Melbourne, Florida. In 1965, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Stetson University, in DeLand, Florida. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women. She later earned a Master of Science in social work from the University of Missouri in 1969.

Martha began her career in social work in Akron, Ohio in 1970 as a caseworker for Catholic Service League of Akron. She went on to perform home studies as an adoption investigator for the Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division in Summit County, later becoming a licensed master social worker for Hospice of the Foothills in Seneca.

After spending 26 years in Akron, Martha and her husband, Roger, moved to Central, South Carolina in 1996 when he joined Clemson University as a professor of history and department chair. Martha was a talented editor and trusted sounding board for her railroad historian husband. She read everything he wrote and contributed to her husband's elegant prose. "She was truly his collaborator" noted historian and family friend Dr. Keith L. Bryant, Jr.

A master gardener, Martha enjoyed volunteering at the South Carolina Botanical Garden in Clemson and was justly proud of her camellias. Besides tending her gardens, she grew many wonderful friendships over her years in Ohio and South Carolina.

Martha is predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Dr. H. Roger Grant whom she married in 1966, and her sister Elizabeth "Betsy" Farrington Johnson (1944-2018). She is survived by her daughter Julia Dinsmore Grant of Central, South Carolina, sister Deborah Jean Farrington, of Greenville, South Carolina, sister Suzanne Russell Farrington, of Vancouver British Columbia, two nephews and a niece. Martha was raised Methodist and later attended the Unitarian Universalist Church in Akron, Ohio.

A private graveside service in Albia, Iowa, will be held at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to the Botanical Gardens Endowment Fund at South Carolina Botanical Garden at Clemson University. Make all checks payable to Clemson University Foundation. Clemson University Foundation, PO Box 1889, Clemson, SC 29633-1889.

The family would like to thank the staff at Clemson Downs and VIA Hospice for their compassionate care.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home & Cremations, Central-Clemson Commons.