Mrs. Rachel Martin died September 17, 2014. Born October 3, 1925 in Winston Salem, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Charles T. Crow and Artie Wagner Crow.

Rachel grew up in both North and South Carolina and moved to Columbia, SC in 1941. She graduated from Columbia High School, attended Draughon's Business College and the University of South Carolina. She was a member of Beta Club and the choral group, Carolinians.

She was employed by Southern Bell until she entered the Columbia Hospital School of Radiology and graduated as one of the first registered x-ray technicians in South Carolina. She taught x-ray for several years and took extended courses in x-ray at the Picker School in Richmond, Virginia.
She began working in individual physician's offices in 1950 following her marriage. She was employed by the Columbia OB-Gyn Group Practice and retired there after 30 years.

She was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, James William Martin of Bel Air, Maryland. Together they were avid Gamecock Club fans for 50 plus years and enjoyed many USC football and basketball games together.

Rachel was a 60 year plus member of Main St. UMC in Columbia. She served as former President of United Methodist Women, church councils, boards and taught Sunday School in the children's and adult departments for many years.

She was a member of the American Society of X-Ray Technologist and kept up with its progress and programs. She was an avid bridge player, enjoyed being with her friends and working with flowers in the garden.

She is survived by her children, Maria Martin Anderson (David) and Lucinda Martin Austin (Gene); grandchildren, Emily Anderson Catoe (Bryan), Rachel Lucinda Austin and Sarah Elizabeth Austin; great-grandchildren, Rachel Marguerite Catoe and Lilly Anderson Catoe.

A memorial service for Mrs. Martin will be held noon, Saturday, September 20th at Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, 5202 Colonial Drive, Columbia, with the Rev. Dr. Robert Walker and Rev. David L. Anderson officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 11 o'clock. The members of Wesley Fidelity Sunday School Class and Circle #6 will serve as honorary pallbearers. Interment at Greenlawn Memorial Park will precede the service.

The family wishes to thank Wildewood Downs and Tri-County Hospice for all the care shown to Mrs. Martin.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Main St. UMC, 1830 Main St., Columbia, SC 29201; or to Epworth Children's Home, P. O. Box 50466, Columbia, SC 29205.