Sarah Kay Cox Martin

Kay Martin died peacefully in her home on March 4, 2025 in Hopkins at the age of 93. She always cherished and retold the memories of those family members who passed before her: Lila Thompson Cox, Herbert McCoy Cox, Sr. (parents), James Beverly Cox, Herbert McCoy Cox, Jr. (brothers), Eunice Mae Cox, Emma Fay Cox (sisters), Herbert McCoy Martin (son), James Frank Martin, Sr., MD (husband).

As a child growing up in Olympia, Kay always carried a special place in her heart for her twin sister, Emma, who died in infancy. Perhaps the regret that Emma never got to live, inspired Kay to live a full and useful life. In high school she was 1 of 20 nationally selected Junior Red Cross delegates who traveled to Europe after WWII as part of a concerted effort to promote peace. She travelled throughout Europe meeting dignitaries and visiting battle sites. The war became more that what she had studied in text books.

Marriage to James Frank Martin, Sr. began Kay’s next adventure. She helped support him through medical school and remained an important part of his medical practice until he retired. She also managed to raise three remarkable children: Fran, Frank, and Herbie. If her goal was to raise children who were polite, respectful, and compassionate, then she surely succeeded. Kay also had to deal with medical issues, loss of her son and her husband. She faced these challenges with determination and remarkable strength.

Kay's next stage of life became more of a journey. One that allowed her time to enjoy her grandchildren and great grandchildren, travel, spend spring and summer in the mountains. Just enjoy life more slowly: but her enthusiasm for that which made her happy never dimmed. She loved eating oysters, displaying her collection of nativity scenes, and collecting wall pockets for the mountain cabin. Whether her collectibles came from specialty shops or Good Will, each was equally admired. Kay was not just a collector; she was also a giver. She gave faithfully in time and donations to charities. She provided old Southern hospitality to anyone who came to her home. You might be friend or a repairman, Kay Martin was going to offer you food. Cooking for people gave her great pleasure.

Even in her nineties, she insisted on making breakfast for her overnight guests.

Kay truly lived life and wanted to thank those family and friends that made that possible. She is survived by Frances Martin Stevenson, James Frank Martin, Jr., MD (Shannon). Grandchildren Sarah Stevenson Cottingham, MD (Doug), Brittany Stevenson Stuckey (Michael), James Frank Martin III, Mary Kay Martin, and Riley Martin (Rebecca). Great grandchildren Mac Cottingham, Lila Cottingham, Olivia Wingo, Phe Stuckey, and Madi Martin.

Special love to Karen Dent, her life long friend and Bobbi Adams, her companion in mischief.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Leaside, 100 East Exchange Place, Columbia, SC 29209. A private entombment will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum. Honorary pallbearers will be David Burnside, Doug Cottingham, Jay Cox, Evin Martin, Jack Martin, Jimmy Stevenson, Michael Stuckey, David Wingo, and Brad Zamboni.

Memorials may be made to Shandon Presbyterian Church, 607 Woodrow Street, Columbia, SC 29205 or Sistercare, Inc., P.O. Box 1029, Columbia, SC 29202.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.