Sharon Gilmer Martin

Mrs. Sharon G. Martin, 68, passed away on December 1, 2008 at her home in Central, South Carolina surrounded by family and friends. A registered nurse and graduate of the Medical College of South Carolina in 1960, Sharon worked at Laurel Hill Nursing Home in Pickens, BASF Corporation in Central and Oconee Memorial Hospital in Seneca. In her nursing service and her personal life, Sharon was able to pursue her passion for helping others. Sharon volunteered for years with cub scouts, boy scouts and girl scouts in the Pickens County area. Among the activities that brought her joy in life were the countless hours supporting youth activities including band, football, baseball, track and dance. She served as a volunteer for the American Red Cross in Pickens County for many years teaching first aid, CPR and advanced Life Support. In 2001 she was named Pickens County Chapter "Volunteer of the Year" and in 2004 she received "The Violet Knupp Award".

Sharon had a great love for her plants, flowers and vegetable garden. She was a member of the Garden Club in her early years. Sharon was an active member of the Red Hat Society of Central. After her retirement from nursing, Sharon enjoyed traveling with friends around the country and abroad. She was especially happy to realize a life goal of going to Australia and New Zealand in 2002.

What Sharon treasured most on this earth was her family and her good friends. Her life was devoted to their happiness and well being. Her joy in this life was her children and grandchildren.

Born in Anderson and living in Central, she was a life-long resident of Upstate South Carolina. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Jerry Martin of Central, SC and their children: the Honorable Mac Martin of Central, SC, Dan Martin of Marietta, GA, Joel Martin of Andalusia, AL and Angie Martin Morris of Fort Mill, SC. She is survived by nine grandchildren: Halem, Summer, Tyler, Violet, Kyle, Daniel, Jarret, Ian, and Eric. Other survivors are Sisters Bernie Skelton of Anderson, SC, and Dottie Singleton of Hawaii along with a Brother, Skip Gilmer of Anderson, SC and 11 nieces and nephews. Sharon was born on December 19, 1939 to Henry N. and Mildred C. Gilmer of Anderson, SC. She was predeceased by her parents and sister, Alice.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to all of our family members and the many health care providers that assisted Sharon during her prolonged illness. The family's deepest appreciation is extended to Perci, our mother's nursing school roommate and dearest friend of 51 years. The care provided by Perci allowed our mother to spend her final months, with dignity and independence, in our home.

The Memorial Service will be held Thursday at 2 PM at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home in Central, SC. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm on Wednesday at the funeral home.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to your local Chapter of the American Red Cross or Hospice of the Upstate, Inc, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.