Martha Donahue

Martha Adrian Gaitley Donahue went to be with the Lord on January 5, 2015. She was born May 2, 1923 on Cool Springs Plantation in Edgecomb County, NC. Martha was the daughter of Robert Thomas and Annie Culbreth Gaitley. She graduated from Flora Macdonald College, Red Springs, NC, where she served as President of the Alumnae Association. Later she married Joseph P. Donahue of Rock Hill, SC, who died in 1987. Martha is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Mr. and Mrs. James Spinks, granddaughter Adrianne and husband (Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Rogers), one great-grandson, and one great-granddaughter, all of Rock Hill, SC. Martha was preceded in death by her sister Anne G. (Mrs. Wallace) Chandler of Whispering Pines, NC and twin sisters Jean G. (Mrs. James) Mathews of Red Springs, NC and Helen G. (Mrs. Bruce) Carraway of Atlanta, GA. Martha had nine nieces and nephews who were very special to her. Martha was employed as an Executive Secretary by Flora Macdonald College, First Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville, Synod of North Carolina, Burlington Industries and E. N. Beard Lumber Company prior to her marriage. She also was employed by St. John's United Methodist Church and York County (SC) School District 3 from 1965 to 1985. She retired from the school district in 1985. Since that time, she worked part time as an Office Assistant in the College of Education, Winthrop University and as Student-Tutor Coordinator for the York County (SC) Literacy Association. A member of St. John's United Methodist Church, Martha was a former member of the Administrative Board, a member of the Barber-Hardin Sunday School class, active in United Methodist Women as a Circle Leader and as a Member of the Executive Board for which she received Special Recognition as a Life Member in 1993; she was secretary of HOPE, Inc. and Secretary of MADD, York County (SC). The Martha G. Donahue Learning Center, located in the Housing Authority complex on Bozeman Drive in Fort Mill, SC was dedicated in her honor in 1998. Visitation will be at the Bass-Cauthen Funeral Home on Saturday, January 10, 2015, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A graveside service will be held Sunday, January 11, 2015 at 1:00pm with a Memorial Service to follow in the St. John's United Methodist Church at 2:00pm. Memorial donations may be made to St. John's UMC General Fund. Online condolences may be registered at www.basscares.com. Bass-Cauthen is in charge of the arrangements.