Martha Edwards Obituary

Martha Miller Edwards RAVENEL, SC - Martha Miller Edwards, daughter of the late Frankie and Lily Miller was born on February 29, 1932 in Rantowles, South Carolina. She departed this life on July 17, 2017. Martha graduated from Burke High School, attended Winthrop University, South Carolina State University and received a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Shaw University. In 1950, Martha was united in marriage to Oliver Edwards. To this union, four children were born. In the early years of her youth, Martha became a member of Mt. Olivet Reformed Episcopal Church. After her marriage to Oliver, she became a member of St. Luke AME Church. She was recognized several times by the Church for her outstanding services and work. As a viable part of her community, Martha was affiliated with several organizations: Queen of Sheba Tent No 202, the Young Women's Christian Association, the NAACP, Elected to serve as School Board member Constituent District 23, Trustee Board member, Director of Christian Education St. Luke AMEC, Senior Usher Board of St. Luke AMEC for many years and was Director of St. Luke Child Development Center. The 1960's brought to the forefront many passionate and dedicated people. Those who were willing to sacrifice their lives in order that others might have an opportunity to read, write, vote and receive various social services and to participate in the American way of life. One of those warriors (shero's) and leader was this petite woman whose grace and charm strengthened her tenacity and determination to help others - especially the children. Martha was the one-woman crusade to insure that rural and low-income children could receive an early education - prior to there ever being a curriculum for early childhood education. Ever so aware and cognizant of the many social stigmas that rural children faced and in the challenge of no child care or recreational centers available for the children, she was a pioneer in early childhood development. After careful assessment of the community needs, in August 1963, she structured and organized the implementation of the first Child Development Center located at St. Luke AME Church, Hollywood, SC. For more than three years, as a Coordinator and Volunteer, she was instrumental in providing transportation, food, clothing and child care for preschool children. In 1966, her program came under the umbrella of the newly founded Charleston County Office of Economic Opportunity Head Start Child Development Program. Over the course of her 49 years as an early childhood Educator, she was revered for her insistence upon encouraging her students to do and be their best. In May 2002, "The Martha Miller Edwards Scholarship" was established to provide funds to deserving students interested in pursuing a college degree in the field of education. Some memorable humor about "Martha Miller Edwards," affectionately known from TV show "Dynasty" as Alexis Colby: her Minks/Rabbits/Fox fur coats and capes, her jewelry, her dark shaded glasses, her matching pocketbooks, shoes, and hats with flowers all around them. Martha was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Oliver Edwards; children: Blondell Edwards and Oliver Edwards Jr. sisters: Mary Tolin (twin) Beatrice Moultrie, Lillian Manigault; brothers: Frank Miller, Gabe Smith; stepdaughter Ernestine Murray. She leaves precious memories to her family and inspiration and strength to her children: Gwendolyn Whitsell and Kenneth Edwards, Esq. (Stephanie) , a special granddaughter, Marvetta Edwards; a stepson, William Middleton (Barbara); grandchildren, brothers: Peter Miller (Mary Alice) and John Miller; a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. Wake services at Mt. Olivet Reformed Episcopal Church, 4283 Savannah Hwy, Ravenel, SC on Friday, July 21, 2017, 6:00 to 8:00p.m. Family Visitation from 7 to 8:p.m. Funeral service on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 1:p.m. at Lovely Hill Baptist Church, 670 Bear Swamp Road, Johns Island, SC. Emtombment: Miller Cemetery, Ravenel, SC. In lieu of flowers memorial may be sent to Mt. Olivet Reformed Espicopal Church Building Fund, 4283 Savannah Hwy, Ravenel, SC 29470. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston