Naomi Gourdine Martin, daughter of the late Edward Baxter Gourdine and Ella Artepea Gourdine, was born February 25, 1918, in Pineville, South Carolina. Naomi departed this life January 21, 2010. Naomi attended the public schools of Berkeley County. She graduated in 1940, receiving a High School Diploma from J.K. Gourdine School, Russellville, South Carolina. In 1947, she received a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education from Morris College, Sumter, South Carolina. She furthered her studies at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina. At an early age, Naomi joined Jehovah United Methodist Church where she served in many capacities. She loved and was dedicated to serving the church. As a servant, she was the Superintendent of the Sunday School, Sunday School Teacher, Church Treasurer, Chairperson of Education, member of the Women's Society and Chairperson of the Pastor Parish Relationship Committee. Naomi pursued her career as a teacher in the Berkeley County Public School System where she rendered thirty-three years of service at Richardson Elementary School, Central Elementary School, and Cross Elementary School. In 1980, Naomi received the Teacher of the Year Award at Cross Elementary. Nine years were devoted to teaching remedial reading, corrective reading, and BRL. She was very active and committed to several committees, including a member of the Advisory Council, Chairperson of the BERD Reading Council and Title IX Building Coordinator. On August 26, 1945, Naomi was united in Holy Matrimony to James Eddie Martin. He preceded her in death. Naomi was very active and committed to the Pineville Community. She made great accomplishments and was involved in many projects in her life, such as getting roads paved, acquiring telephone services, initiating the Martin's Project, installing an adequate drainage system, delivery of rural mail to all homes, and the summer feeding program for the children in the community. She also owned and operated Martin's Grocery, allowing her to help many people in need. She was honored in the Columbia's Newspaper as a great Matriarch. She was a dedicated member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Naomi participated in the Historical Tour of Pineville, South Carolina for the past two years. Naomi did not give birth to children of her own, but she was blessed with wonderful adopted children, Dorothy Jean Satterwhite, Ruth Cleveland, Belinda Sinkler and Carl Sinkler. Surviving to carry on her accomplishments and legacy are children, Belinda "Brenda" Sinkler, of the home, Dorothy Jean Satterwhite, Washington, DC, and Ruth (Thomas) Cleveland, Philadelphia, PA; stepchildren, Rosa "Gail" Sinkler and Walter B. Sinkler; grandchildren: Carl (Gwen) Sinkler, Timmy Cleveland, Terry Cleveland, Tyheshia Cleveland and Maria Satterwhite; a host of great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Sarah Hollins, Jenkinsville, SC; godchildren, Phillip M. Cole and Naomi Callahan; special nieces, Chatdena Jenkins and Doris Ann Bosell; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, and special friends, Ishum Sinkler, Cloie Mack and Maggie Fogle. Naomi was preceded in death by a stepdaughter, Vivian S. Benjamin; her brothers: Chapman (Ermine) Gourdine, Edward (Rebecca) Gourdine and Wilford (Mazie) Gourdine; and a special friend, Venetta Appleby. ****************************************************** To leave a memorial message for the family online, please click on "Sign the Guestbook" below. Thank you!