Etta Mae Martin, 88, of Summerville South Carolina, loving wife of Lee Herman Martin entered eternal rest Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Her funeral mass will be held Monday, August 24, 2026, at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church, 28 Sumter Avenue, Summerville at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow at Dorchester Memory Gardens, 11000 Dorchester Road, Summerville. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Northwoods Chapel. The mass will be live-streamed, and a recorded video will be available for viewing on www.JHenryStuhr.com.

Etta was born March 13, 1938, in Belzoni, Mississippi, daughter of the late John Smith and the late Lizzie Mae Mitchell Smith. Etta's days were filled with faith, love, and creativity. She enjoyed going to church, a community in which she found strength, purpose, and enduring friendship. Staying in touch with her family was a priority close to her heart, fostering bonds that withstood the test of time and distance. Her favorite time of year was Christmas time. Etta and her husband Lee were also the founders and owners of the original Martin and Sons in Summerville, SC. Martin and Sons Electronics, a company that provided the South Carolina Lowcountry with electronic products and services, for over 20 years.

Beyond her devotion to family and faith, Etta was also a published poet. Her 140‑page book, I Am Not Afraid to Speak, released in December 2004 by Trafford Publishing, reflects the depth of her spiritual journey. Through her poetry, she shared the full spectrum of healing, learning, life, and blessings, expressing the joy found in personal freedom and in life’s continuing walk with God. One of her poems, The Pale Horse, was used by the American Cancer Society in their newsletter to dissuade people from smoking. Her writings speak of forgiveness, love, and the beauty of God’s presence. Today, her book remains a lasting testament to her thoughtful spirit, her devotion to God and family, and her creative, expressive mind.

In addition to her husband, Lee, married seventy-two (72) years, she is survived by sons: Tony Lamar Martin (Melina) of Moncks Corner, SC, Lee E. Martin (Bahar) of San Diego, CA, Derrick Andrew Martin of Nashville, TN; grandchildren: Kaycee Singleton, Tony Martin Jr., Maya Martin, Ryan Martin - MD, Devin Martin, Amelia Martin, and Elliot Martin; nine great-grandchildren; four great, great grandchildren; siblings Sisters Irene Hooks (Wilbur) of Rockwall, TX. and Nancy Sission of Belzoni, MS. Nieces and nephews; June & Monica Smith, Phillis Smith, April Watson & Pyron Smith, Lisa Cal, Lon Mills, Vernita, Linda & Lavone Slay, Alberta Pace, Rita & Patrice Owens, Troymando & Demetrius Pace, Maurice & Fredrick Gamble, Wilbur Hooks Jr., Tracy Smith, Roy Smith, Loudis & Corey Smith, Sylvester Slay Jr., Jessie, Jeffery & Greg Slay, Jon, Prenell & Dwayne Owens. She also has her extended and loving Kurdish family in Iraq and Europe.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, David Eric Martin; and siblings: Hattie Owens, Lena Mae Slay, Rosie Anderson, Johnny Lee Smith, Ollie Smith, Willie Lee Amerson, and Tommy Lee Amerson.

Memorials may be made to the Etta & Lee Martin Scholarship Fund. These funds, in addition to annual fund contributions by her immediate family, will create a scholarship fund in her name to help creative-minded, common-sensed, financially needy, godly young adults with college tuition. All proceeds for the scholarship can be sent to SCSU Foundation, P.O. Box 7187, Orangeburg, SC 29117.

A memorial message may be sent to the family at www.JHenryStuhr.com and at lem@imanilee.com.