Martha Gillard

His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:21

On Wednesday, December 2, 2020, our heavenly Father called our beloved Martha Dean Gillard home to glory. Martha was born January 31, 1957 to the late Ethera Ray Elmore of Holly Hill, SC and Sharlow Broughton Jr. of Eutawville, SC. Martha accepted Jesus Christ as her savior and was a faithful member of Greater Target A.M.E Church, where she served joyfully as a member of Stewardess Board #2 and the Steward Board.  Martha was a faithful prayer warrior and often witnessed to others through encouragement. Martha was a very strong woman who loved unconditionally and instilled in many that Jesus Christ is the answer.

Martha was a graduate of Roberts High School in Holly Hill, SC. Following graduation, she worked as a seamstress at Skyline Industries and an attended Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology. She also studied Culinary Arts and Elementary Education at South Carolina State University. Martha was employed in Orangeburg Consolidated School District 3 as a licensed cosmetologist instructor, teacher’s assistant, and library assistant. Martha was the owner of Hopefulness Beauty Salon. Martha was gifted with talents where she was an exceptional seamstress and portrayed a love for craftmanship. She made herself available to help and assist others with any tasks. She was an outstanding, one-of-a-kind cook who didn’t mind feeding her family and friends. She was also the co-founder of Princesses in Training Inc. mentorship program. More importantly, she was a devoted mother who loved her children and grandchildren.

Those left to cherish her memories are four loving daughters, Sharhonda (Jerry) Elmore-Rivers of Florence, SC, Kenteshee Gillard of Columbia, SC, Delicia ( Nicholas) Ealey of Columbia SC, and Hope (Dior) Ashford of Columbia SC; two sisters Ray Ann Gillens of Eutawville, SC, and Julia Broughton of  Hampton, CT; three brothers, Alfred Broughton of Houston, TX, Robert Halls of Newark, NJ; Kenneth Broughton of Houston, TX; five grandchildren, Jerry Jayden Rivers III, Chloe Payton Ashford, James Ahmad Fogle, Joelle Arielle Rivers, and Londyn Ealey as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

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