Martha B. Thompson, 86, of Columbia, passed away January 28, 2016. Born August 10, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Jefferson and Molly Miller Burns. She was a member of Eau Claire Baptist Church, the Eastern Star, Chapter 59, and retired from the SC Department of Mental Health. Martha loved flower gardening and her cats, Ginger and Little Bit.

She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Melba and John "Reg" Carter; son, Ronnie Dale Thompson; grandchildren, Jennifer (Mark) Christenson, Renee (Corey) Hilton, Allison (Travis) Motley, Julie Lemmon; seven great-grandchildren; brothers, Grady (Betty) Burns and TJ Burns of NC.

Martha was preceded in death by her loving husband, Melvin; two brothers and two half-brothers.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Palmetto Heath Richland for the loving care provided to their mother.

The funeral service will be held 2 o'clock, Monday, February 1st, at Eau Claire Baptist Church, 4427 North Main Street, Columbia, with The Rev. Steven Bouknight and The Rev. James A. Goudelock officiating. Interment will follow at Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1 o'clock. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.