Mary Martha Blalock

Mary Martha Haight Blalock, 87, passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2022. A service celebrating her faith in Christ and her life will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. in the First Baptist Church of Charleston, 61 Church Street with visitation at the church beginning at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.

Born December 19, 1934, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Mary Martha was the daughter of Dr. Elmer Francis Haight and Mary Thomson Haight. She attended Anderson College and Columbia College. While a student Mary Martha met and later married A. Jerome Blalock, Jr. of Charleston on March 17, 1955. From that point her family became her first priority as she became the mother of three sons, Buster, Marshall, and Bryan.

Mary Martha had a life-long faith in Jesus Christ and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Charleston. That faith animated her life as a wife and mother, as well as her contributions to her adopted city, Charleston. She had the eye and passion of an artist, teaching art to children for many years out of her home. That passion for beauty extended to gardening, as Mary Martha designed her own garden at her home downtown and helped design portions of the garden at the Heyward Washington House. She was a member of the Horticultural Society and the Garden Club of Charleston, having served a term as President. Mary Martha also was an accomplished floral designer with her own unique style. In addition to her love of flowers, she loved the city and its history. Mary Martha was among the founders of the Associated Guides of Historic Charleston, and she enjoyed leading guests of the city on private tours.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Frank Haight; twin grandsons: John and Paul Blalock; and her beloved husband, Jerome. Mary Martha is survived by her three sons: A. J. "Buster" Blalock (Judy), R. Marshall Blalock (Cathy) and Bryan W. Blalock (Angela); seven grandchildren: Jeremy Blalock, Christopher Blalock (Dorothy), Andrew Blalock (Kelly), Cathryn Blalock Hardy (Philip), Bryan Blalock, Jr., Corey Blalock and Adele Blalock; and four great-grandchildren: Conner Blalock, Dylan Blalock, Thomas Blalock, and Hope Blalock.

Memorials may be given to First Baptist Church, 48 Meeting Street, Charleston, 29401.