Funeral services for Merlene “Merl” Nesmith Martin, conducted by the Rev. Joann Howard and the Rev. Glannie Tisdale, were held Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at Canaan AME Church of Andrews. Burial, directed by Henryhand Funeral Home, followed at Canaan AME Church Cemetery of Andrews.

Ms. Martin died Wednesday, May 16, 2012. She was born April 8, 1964, in Williamsburg County, a daughter of the late Abraham and Martha Lee Nesmith. She was a member of Canaan AME Church, where she served as Church Secretary, church van driver, and a captain of Friends of Family. She also was a member of the Steward Board, the Program Planning Committee, the Missionary Department, the Y.P.D., the Usher Board, the Young Adult Choir, and Christian Education Department. She attended the public schools of Williamsburg County. She graduated from Williamsburg High School in 1981. She furthered her education at Benedict College of Columbia, and received an Associate Degree in Business Administration on May 11, 2012, from Williamsburg Technical College of Kingstree. She was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She was employed by Williamsburg Technical College. She was previously employed by Movie Gallery of Andrews; the Department of Agriculture of Kingstree, Insteel Wire of Andrews; and Smurfs Daycare of Andrews. She was married to John Edward Martin. She was a secretary of her class reunion committee. She also worked as Troop Leader for her daughter’s Girl Scout Troop #383. Survivors are: three children, Mikel Juwan, Marcus Keyshawn and Myasha Janaei, all of the home; three siblings, Diane Nesmith of Andrews; Abraham J. Nesmith, Jr. and Bryant Carlos Nesmith, all of Andrews; and her grandmother, Bernetha Nesmith of Andrews.