Manning, SC

A Journey Begins… Life, Death and Eternity are three important words to the Christian. Death is a gateway to a more abundant life. It is a joyful messenger of peace. It opens the gate of immortality to weary pilgrim; it lets the oppressed go free. Ms. Martha King was called to eternal rest at Prisma Health in Columbia, South Carolina, on December 8, 2020. Born in Williamsburg County, on September 26, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Oscar Chatman and Alma Montgomery Chatman. She was preceded in death by seven brothers and four sisters. At an early age, she accepted Christ and joined St. James Baptist Church in Greeleyville, South Carolina. She later joined William Chapel Christian Church. At various phases of her Christian service to the church, she served in many ministries and held various positions including Trustee Board Member and Sunday School Teacher. Martha was a graduate of Williamsburg County Training School in Greeleyville, South Carolina. She attended and graduated from Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina, with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics; South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina, with a Masters of Education. She was a SC Certified Teacher of Mathematics and Special Education. She furthered her education at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina; Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina; the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina; Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina and The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. Martha started her work as an educator in Berkeley County with the majority of her years in Williamsburg County at C. E. Murray High School, Greeleyville, South Carolina, where she retired in January 1993. After retiring from the SC public school system, she returned to her alma mater, Morris College, and proceeded to teach another twenty years before retiring in 2013. She was a proud woman, had a keen sense of humor, was always excited to tell her story of coming from humble beginnings, and was a strong proponent of education. Any student who passed through her classroom door knew that she believed education was the gateway to a successful future. As the co-founder of the Clarendon County Community Development Cooperation, she worked diligently to positively touch the lives of many families within Clarendon County. Martha was married to the late Stephen King of Manning, South Carolina. This union was blessed with three daughters, Carla, Bonnie, and Stephanie. Loved ones who will forever treasure her memories are: three daughters, Carla King of Sumter, SC, Bonnie King of Manning, SC and Stephanie (Justin) Trice of Atlanta, GA; five grandchildren, Stefon, Kamri, Montgomery, Kaili, and Bryton; two sisters, Evelyn (Henry) Richardson of Greeleyville, SC; Lois Hill of Jacksonville, FL; one sister-in-law, Mattie King of Manning, SC; one brother-inlaw, James Kenely, of Sumter, SC; three special friends, Paulette King, Loretta King, and Francis Hilton; a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. …A Journey Ends

Due to COVID-19, the funeral service will be private as requested by the family.