Martha Brooks Payne (Brooks)

Martha Brooks Payne, 92, died Tuesday, December 23, 2014. Martha was born on February 10, 1922 in New Bern, NC, daughter of the late Maggie and Jacob Brooks. She was the widow of the late Robert Houston Payne. They were married for 64 years. Martha was a graduate of East Carolina University. Martha moved from Monroe, NC to Columbia, SC where she lived for 60 years before moving to Charleston. She was an active member of Shandon United Methodist Church and sang in the choir. Martha was employed by Earnest F. Hollings when he was Governor of SC, and also the years he served in the US Senate. She had worked previously in the SC Legislature and the SC Municipal Association. Surviving family include her sons, Dr. Robert Houston Payne and his wife, Lisa Thomas of Charleston, Michael Lee Payne and his wife Maggie Simpson of Chevy Chase, Maryland, a daughter, Nancy Payne Kennedy and her husband John Kennedy of Charleston. In addition, Grandchildren, Robert, John, Eugenia, Elizabeth, Joseph, Jack, Sara, Turner, two great grandchildren, Houston and Heyward and numerous nieces and nephews. Martha was preceded in death by her sister, Margaret Gulledge and her brothers, Linwood Brooks, Jake Brooks and Sam Brooks. Memorials may be made to Epworth Children’s Home PO Box 50466 Cola SC 29250. A family memorial service will take place later in Columbia, SC. Arrangements by PALMETTO CREMATION SOCIETY, 11 Cunnington Ave., Charleston, SC 29405, (843) 722-2555. Online condolences may be shared at www.palmettocremationsociety.com