HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Linda Study Martin, 76, Hartsville, S.C., died Feb. 25, 2014, surrounded by her loving family. She was born Oct. 20, 1937, near Akron, in Kosciusko County, to Floyd Leslie and Hazel Amanda Hire Study – one of eight children. She married John Harrison Martin Jr., who preceded her in death. A beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother, she and her husband made their home of more than 45 years in Hartsville where she dedicated her life to home and raising their three children. Generosity, charity, confidence, style, wit, kindness of heart and spirit, compassion and caring for others and love and devotion to her family and to all who knew her were the testimonies of her life. Although she cherished her privacy in later years, she was outgoing and faithful in support of her community, friends and neighbors. Her love of animals was widely known, having devoted many years and resources – privately and publicly – in support of local humane society rescue efforts. A lifelong, faithful member of First Presbyterian Church of Hartsville, she loved her church family and her Lord. Her life was a beautiful example of selflessness and dedication to her family as she devoted her life to raising her three children and six grandchildren. She will live forever in their hearts. All her grandchildren had a special place in her heart and her two youngest – Pressly and Emily – gave her great joy in her last years. May her spirit live on in those she touched with her caring and kindness and may her memory be eternal. Surviving are two sons, John Harrison (and spouse Susan) Martin III, Florence, S.C., and Bryan Richard (and spouse Stacy) Martin, Hartsville; a daughter, Lori Martin (and spouse Craig) Morris, Hartsville; a sister, Jan (and spouse Dwayne) Ankenbruck, Fort Wayne; a brother, Al Study, Warsaw; six grandchildren: Amanda Martin (and spouse John) Wilhite, Greenville, S.C.; Ellen Elizabeth Martin, Charlotte, N.C.; Pressly Hire and Emily Raines Martin, Hartsville; Candace (and spouse Travis) Crocker, Anderson, S.C.; and Taylor Morris, Huntsville, Ala.; two great-granddaughters, Callie Crocker and Atkinsyn Ann Morris; 18 nieces and nephews; and many special friends. Calling was Thursday at Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home, Hartsville, with a private burial in Magnolia Cemetery, Hartsville. ***** Memorials may be made to the Darlington County Human Society, P.O. Box 1655, Hartsville, S.C. 29551; or to the First Presbyterian Kindergarten, 213 W. Home Ave., Hartsville, S.C. 29550.
