Martha Boggan Pence Nesmith

Martha Boggan Pence Nesmith, 90, of Charleston, South Carolina, widow of Dr. Louis Edward Nesmith, entered into eternal rest Tuesday, December 23, 2014. Her Graveside Service will be held Saturday, December 27, 2014, at Live Oak Memorial Gardens, 3093 Ashley River Road at 10:00 a.m. The family will receive friends Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at her residence. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Downtown Chapel.

Martha was born November 27, 1924 in Tatum, South Carolina, daughter of Donald Floyd Pence and Dora Ila Boggan Pence. She was a graduate of Flora McDonald College and a first grade teacher in Wilmington, NC. In 1948, Martha married Dr. Louis Edward Nesmith, and they enjoyed sixty-one years of marriage. A long time, active member of Ashley River Baptist Church, she taught in the children's program and fostered many Christian friendships that she cherished. She was a member of the Florence Crittenton Board, Association for the Blind, Ladies Benevolent Society, Charleston Garden Club, Baptist Women's Missionary Union, Charleston Family Christian Y (Past President), and Greater Charleston Rotary Club Auxiliary (Past President). Martha and her husband spent many years at Pawleys Island where they treasured time surf-fishing, walking the beach, and rocking on the porch. She was an avid gardener.

She is survived by her daughters Martha Bonner and her husband, Frank, of Charleston, Sally Nesmith of Charleston, Susan Lazur and her husband, Andrew, of Cambridge, MD; seven grandchildren, Sally McClary Wallace and her husband, Bruce, Martha Collet Stullenbarger and her husband, Shawn, Mary Collet Drach and her husband, Justin, Jay Collet, Will Hare and his wife, Amanda, David Hare and his wife, Allison, and Katie Lazur Doyle and her husband, Jonathan; and nine great-grandchildren.

She will be missed and loved always by her friends and family.

Memorials may be made to Ashley River Baptist Church, 1101 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407.