Martha Cathcart Obituary

Martha Elmore Cathcart
LAURENS - On July 20, 2025, Martha Lillie Elmore Cathcart went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Mrs. Cathcart was eighty-six years old. She was born in Charleston, SC to Charles Alexander Elmore and Amanda Jones Elmore. She was educated in the schools of St. Andrews Parish, graduating with honors. She graduated cum laude from Furman University with a degree in Music.
In 1960, Martha married Robert (Bob) Dean Cathcart. She served many churches in Charleston, Rock Hill, and Aiken as organist-choirmaster over a twenty-year period. After serving Millbrook Baptist Church for thirty-three years as organist, she retired. Martha continued to serve in the community as a substitute organist and pianist. She served as the musician at Trinity United Methodist in Aiken from 2012-2021.
In 1976, Martha and Bob opened R & M Music, Inc, in Aiken which they operated for 31 years. She taught private piano lessons to a large number of students. Over the years, she was privileged to teach the love of music to three generations in some families. One of her greatest joys was to see her students use their talents to serve the Lord through their musical ability.
In May of 2021, the Cathcarts moved to Martha Franks Baptist Retirement Center in Laurens, SC, to be close to their son, Robert, who is pastor of Friendship Presbyterian in Hickory Tavern. Immediately, Martha started playing the organ at the Rasor Chapel at Martha Franks until she became ill with cancer. However, once she recovered, she started playing the piano and the organ again. In September of 2022, Martha joined First Baptist Church of Laurens.
Martha is survived by her husband, Bob, her two daughters Charlotte (Jack) Judge, and Carol (Allen) Baer, and her son, The Rev. Dr. Robert D. (Sarah) Cathcart, Jr. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Rachel Baer (Austyn) Van Dyke, Julia Baer, Lillie Judge, Anna Judge, Robert D. (Campbell) Cathcart III, Sally Cathcart, Margaret Cathcart, and Charlie Cathcart. Martha was predeceased byher brother, Charles Elmore. She is also survived by her brother, Jimmy (Marie) Elmore, and her sister-in-law, Marjorie Elmore
A memorial service will be held at Rasor Chapel, Martha Franks Baptist Retirement Center on Wednesday, July 23 at 11 AM. Rev. Tim Marsh (First Baptist Laurens) and Dr. Robert D. Cathcart, Jr. (Friendship Presbyterian), will officiate. A graveside service will take place on Thursday, July 24 at 11 AM at Live Oak Cemetery, Charleston, SC, officiated by Rev. Joey Estes (Chaplain, Martha Franks) and Dr. Robert D. Cathcart, Jr.
In lieu of flowers, please direct your gifts to First Baptist Church Laurens or Friendship Presbyterian Church Building Fund.
Condolences can be expressed to the family at www.thekennedymortuary.com.