Martha Fairey Obituary

Martha Buice Fairey Anderson, SC - Martha Wilkerson Buice Fairey died peacefully on January 22, 2019, at her home, surrounded by her children. The widow of Dr. Frank Strait Fairey and the only daughter of Jane Pearl Rainey Buice and Wade Sims Buice, Mrs. Fairey was the last of her immediate family, having been predeceased by her two adored brothers, Wade Sims Buice, Jr. and John Benjamin Buice, and beloved sister-in-law, Dorothy Fant Buice. Martha was born in Gastonia, NC on March 18, 1923, and moved to Anderson with her family in 1932 where she spent her remaining childhood and youth. She was a graduate of Anderson Girls High School and a 1944 graduate of Winthrop College. While a student at Winthrop, Martha was active on campus where she served in numerous leadership positions and was honored to be chosen Rock Hill's 1940 Christmas Queen, to represent her class every year in May Court, and to be voted "Most Poised" by her Senior Class. Upon graduation, she returned to Anderson to teach first grade at North Anderson School. She was active in the Anderson Junior Assembly and St. John's United Methodist Church. Following her marriage to Frank Strait Fairey in 1945, she lived in Charleston, SC, Chicago, IL, New London, CT, and New Orleans, LA while Dr. Fairey was completing his service to his country, his medical internship, and his residency in General Surgery. Following the completion of his studies, the Faireys settled in Rock Hill, SC where they resided for 42 years. Mrs. Fairey was active in church, civic, and social activities in Rock Hill. She was a dedicated member of St. John's United Methodist Church where she was a charter member and chairman of the Altar Guild and taught Sunday School. She was a member of the Glencairn Garden Club, Friends of Historic Brattonsville, Catawba Chapter of the DAR, South Carolina and York County Historical Societies, and Historic Rock Hill. She served on the York County Medical Alliance, was a charter member of the Pierian Book Club, and was a Board member of the Debutante Club of Rock Hill. She was also appointed by the SC Legislature to represent York County on the Old English Tourism Commission where she served for 6 years. Upon Dr. Fairey's retirement, he and Martha moved to Anderson where they became members of St. John's United Methodist Church and were supporters of Anderson Heritage, Friends of the Museum, and Friends of the Library. Known for her Southern charm, beautiful smile, and gentle nature, Martha was devoted to her family and to making a home for them. She enjoyed gardening, antiques, history, and reading, and was known as a gifted storyteller - a trait she inherited from her Buice family. A loving wife, mother, and grandmother affectionately known as "Grandmartha" by her grandchildren, she was predeceased by her husband of 56 years and is survived by her children, Dr. Frank Strait Fairey, Jr. (Charlotte) of Charleston, SC, Wade Buice Fairey (Cathy) of Rock Hill, SC, Risher Rainey Fairey (Elaine) of Columbia, SC, and Moyer Fairey Albergotti (Sam) of Anderson, SC; her grandchildren, Frank Shepard Fairey (Amanda), McRae Fairey Oyeossi (Yaminou), Wade Buice Fairey, Jr. (Flecia), Frank Edward Fairey (Leslie), Dr. William Greer Albergotti, III, Martha Fairey Albergotti, Claudia Brownlee Albergotti, and Philip Gaston Albergotti (Allen); and five great-grandchildren. A private family burial at Old Silver Brook Cemetery will be followed by a Memorial Service on Sunday, January 27, 2019, at 3:00 pm at St. John's United Methodist Church, with the Reverend Dr. Kitty Holtzclaw and Dr. Sinclair Lewis officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. The family will be at the home of Moyer and Sam Albergotti. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. John's United Methodist Church in Anderson or the Fairey-Strait Medical Heritage Scholarship, MUSC, 18 Bee Street, MSC 450, Charleston, SC 29425. WWW.MCDOUGALDFUNERALHOME.COM. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston