Viola Brown Martin

Viola Cecile Brown Martin, affectionately known as Dolly, passed away peacefully on June 30th, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service. Born as the eighth of nine children, Dolly, as she was known, spent her formative years in the city of Charleston, South Carolina, where she attended public schools and formed lifelong memories and friendships. Viola's pursuit of education led her to South Carolina State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. Her academic journey continued at Columbia University, where she obtained a master's degree, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to learning and personal growth. For 40 years, Viola dedicated herself to teaching high school mathematics in the South Carolina public school system. Her passion for education and her students left a lasting mark on the countless lives she touched. She would continue this commitment as an active member of the South Carolina University Alumni Association. Viola married the love of her life, Palmer Bernard Martin, with whom she shared 66 wonderful years of marriage. Together, the raised two daughters, Gwendolyn, and Cecile (deceased). Her devotion to her family was matched only by her dedication to her faith and community. As active and cherished member of the Ephesus Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Darlington, SC, Viola served in numerous capacities including treasurer, member of the church board, developer of education for the South Atlantic Conference and church musician. Her true passions were Women's Ministries and her favorite role of teaching Sabbath School, a position she held for decades with unwavering joy and commitment. Viola's love for her church family was evident in all she did, and her contributions will be remembered fondly by those she served. Viola is survived by daughter Gwendolyn (Lamont) Houston; grandchildren Donald (Annie) Houston, Gina (Gerard) Smith, and David Houston; sister Gloria Mouzon; nieces Patricia Barnum, Rachel Mouzon, Sybil Mouzon, Shirley (Willie) Harrison. Merle (Lawrence) Ford, Karolyn (Gary) Moore, Loretta Brown and Kia Brown; nephews Hector Mouzon, Jr; Miton (Glenda) Mouzon; Dr. Richard (Luciana)Mouzon; Al (Essie) Smith; John (Shirley) Brown, Jr; Tyrone (Shirley Brown; Wilbur (Andrea) Brown Jr; Damien Brown; son in law Warren (Yolanda) Bandfield; cousins Enoch Jenkins; Audrey Gilbert.; Malinda Pearson and Albert (Janie Ruth) Martin. Her memory will also be cherished by her extended family, friends, and all of those who were blessed to know her. In celebrating the life of Viola Cecila Brown Martin, we honor a woman whose legacy of love, education, and faith will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered. In Lieu of Flowers please make donations in honor of Viola Brown Martin to Ephesus Seventh-Day Adventist Church 124 Theressa Dr, Darlington, SC 29532

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Viola Brown Martin

October 2, 1925 - June 30, 2024