Marteen Spann Saleem, 74, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. She was a native of Cross, South Carolina. Our parents were the late Julia M. Spann Gethers, T.M. and Johnnie Gethers. Marteen was raised by our late grandparents Randolph Spann and Judy Prioleau, 'Big Mama', who continued to build a strong Christian foundation for our family at Jehovah AME Church where she attended and was a member. She attended Central School in Cross and thereafter joined us in Syracuse, New York, where she met and married Javonne A. Saleem. Marteen continued to develop her Christian relationship in Auburn, NY, at Roosevelt Memorial Baptist Church under the pastorship of the late Reverend Pinkney A. Johnson, husband of Viola Spann Johnson, her aunt.

While being employed as a Nurse Assistant within Onondaga County Syracuse, Marteen rendered compassionate care to all of her patients and families. After returning to Cross in 1993, she continued that compassionate care within the Berkeley County School District.

Marteen enjoyed cooking anything that would please one's palate; sewing, making most of her beautiful African attire and making curtains out of sheets, crocheting and knitting; gardening, "digging in dirt", as Mama Julia would say, making any seed, plant or flower flourish beautifully; fishing and walking with cousin Rocky was bountiful and healthy. Now let's speak of home...Marteen created in spirit and in truth, a home filled with creative décor, fun, laughter...talking about jokes - HAHAHA...we can tell you some stories, and we're sure many of you can also! Cookouts, cook-ins and fish fries like being at 'Big Mama's', "MAMMA", as Marteen affectionately called her...all in all, loving and sharing time with family and friends. Upon entering her backyard, one will see 'WELCOME'! Marteen was OUR current generational family HISTORIAN...our 'Alex Haley' of "ROOTS"!!!

"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord". 2 Corinthians 5:8

Marteen Spann Saleem leaves to mourn her passing, cherish her memory and celebrate her life: her children, Jerry B. Spann, Keith Spann (Linda M.), Kevin J. Saleem, Carlos D. Saleem and Kendall M. Saleem; grandchildren, LaKasha True (David), Braylon, Isiah, Jerrin, Jerred, Brea, Beijing and Jessiah; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn and Tobias; siblings, Hernese Gethers, Diane Gethers Latta, Abdullah B. Jihad (Sakinah), Onetha Gethers-James (Charles), Rozella Cassidy and Lois Echols; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Marteen was preceded in death by her grandparents, her parents, sister Marva. brother Andrew, and nephews, Muhammad, Abdullah and Chance.

Marteen will truly be missed by all who loved and truly knew her!

Viewing will be held Sunday, November 6, 2022, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Face masks are required. Graveside Service will be held Monday, November 7, 2022, 12:00 p.m. at Spring Plains Cemetery, Cross, SC.