Martha was born in Chester, South Carolina to the Reverend George William and Sarah Mary Alexander Burke. She graduated from Spartanburg High School.

She was married to her precious husband, the Reverend Archie Rufus Bigelow, Jr. for sixty-two (62) years.

Martha is survived by her husband, and three children: Diane Bigelow Sigmon (Dean) of Darlington, Claudia Lynn Watson of Waynesboro VA and Archie Rufus "Chip" Bigelow III of Irmo; six grandchildren, David Tillman Tillotson, III of Columbia, Jordan Ross Tillotson (Courtney) of Savannah GA, Sarah Burke Sigmon White (Will) of Spartanburg, and triplets Marcus Dean Sigmon, Mary Deane Sigmon, Michael Dean Sigmon, Jr. of Darlington. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Marian Sylvia Burke Hatchette.

In her early years, she was a keypunch operator for Pacific Mills, Drayton Corporation, and Milliken Corporation. She also was a secretary for Jordan Chevrolet, Bigelow-Sanford Carpet and Washington Street United Methodist Church (Columbia).

As the wife of a Methodist minister, her greatest joy was sharing her gift of music in every community they served whether as a choir member, organist or choir director. Particularly fond memories include productions of The Centurion at Fair Lawn (Columbia), St. Paul (St. Matthews) and St. George United Methodist Churches. During the Calhoun County Player's production of The Sound of Music in the early 1980s, Martha played Mother Abbess. From this production sprang a community choir, Southern Sounds, which resulted in many special friendships that remained until her death.

The funeral service for Mrs. Bigelow will be held at 2 o'clock, Friday, February 20th at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 12 o'clock. Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.