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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPON THE DEATH OF FRANCES ELIZABETH CLARKE MARTIN, A NATIVE OF THE PALMETTO STATE, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, deeply saddened at the news, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly have learned of the death of Frances Elizabeth Clarke Martin, formerly of South Carolina, on April 8, 2013, at the age of ninety-two; and
Whereas, the daughter of Harry Powell Clarke and Margaret Hammett Clarke, Frances Elizabeth Clarke Martin, known to most as "Frankie," was born in South Carolina and lived in this great State most of her life; and
Whereas, Frankie was the widow of Henry G. Martin, Jr., and the last of seven Clarke sisters. For the past few years, she had been a resident of Brentwood, Tennessee, and it was there she passed away; and
Whereas, for more than sixty years, Frankie was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Bishopville, First Presbyterian Church of Sumter, and St. James Lutheran Church of Sumter, respectively. She served as choir member and soloist, Sunday school teacher, and member of the Women's Circle; and
Whereas, in addition, she served on the board of directors for Sumter Little Theatre and starred in many musical productions. Frankie was also a member soloist with the Sumter Civic Chorale, patron of the Sumter SPCA, dedicated volunteer for United Ministries of Sumter County, past president of the Women's Afternoon Music Club, past president of the Ladies Golf Association at Sunset Country Club, and an active member of multiple bridge and garden clubs in Bishopville and Sumter; and
Whereas, accompanied by her husband, Henry, Frankie sang for hundreds of weddings, funerals, and community events in Sumter and Bishopville and throughout the State of South Carolina; and
Whereas, this woman of faith loved and devoted her life to Jesus, her family, and friends. Frankie will be remembered for her Southern hospitality, her optimistic view of life, her poetry, her quick wit and humorous musical parodies, as well as the life of love she lived; and
Whereas, well is it said of her, "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.' " (Proverbs 31:28, 29, RSV); and
Whereas, she leaves to cherish her memory her five children, Jane Smith of Columbia, Hank (Linda) Martin of Tennessee, Mary (Paul) Van Hoesen of Tennessee, Anne (Ronnie) Galloway of Sumter, and Dale (Freddy) Richardson of Tennessee; ten grandchildren (her grandson Gary Schraibman having preceded her in death); fourteen great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. She will be missed. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the death of Frances Elizabeth Clarke Martin, a native of the Palmetto State, and extend the deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Jane Smith for the family.
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