Martha Helen Sawyer King

Martha Helen Sawyer King, 92, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2024 at the South Carolina Episcopal Home at Still Hopes. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 1st at Washington Street United Methodist Church, Christ Chapel, 1401 Washington Street in Columbia with a reception following at the church. The Reverends Becky Shirley and Alston Lippert will officiate. There will be a private burial at Elmwood Cemetery.

Born May 30, 1931, in Augusta, Georgia, Martha Helen was the only child of the late George Clark Sawyer and the late Leila Morgan Sawyer. She moved to Columbia in 1933 and was educated at Schneider School, Hand Middle School, and Dreher High School. She graduated cum laude from the University of South Carolina in 1952, where she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority, Alpha Kappa Gamma and Who’s Who in American Colleges. She later earned her master’s degree from USC. Martha Helen cared deeply about teaching and was a beloved teacher in Orangeburg, Charlotte, and Columbia before her retirement as a Reading Consultant with Richland School District One. She was a devoted, lifelong member of Washington Street United Methodist Church where she served on the administrative board, was a circle leader and a Sunday School teacher. She was an avid bridge player and belonged to several bridge clubs.

In 2008, Martha married Robert Perry King (Bob) and lovingly embraced his entire family, who loved and appreciated her. She is survived by her stepchildren; Robert P King Jr., Deborah King Kinder (Alan P.), Jennifer King Bidencope (Damon); her step grandchildren Robert P. King III (Margaret Ann), Andrew King, Chandler King (Statia), Morgan Kinder (Abby), Alan C. Kinder (Paige), Michael Bidencope, Emma Bidencope; and seven great grandchildren. She is also survived by her beloved cousins; Joan Morgan Mears, Frances Rankin, Charles Stone, Beth Crepeau, Suzanne Hope, Paul Crepeau, Karen Humphries Ally, Nancy Humphries O’Dell, and Sally Nemeth.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by two cousins, who were like her sisters, Elizabeth Noles Crepeau and Elizabeth Sawyer Humphries.

Martha Helen’s love and devotion to others was evident in the way she selflessly cared for mother and husband in their declining years.

Memorials may be made to Washington Street United Methodist Church or a charity of one’s choice. The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the employees of Still Hopes, Prisma Hospice and her caregivers, especially Valerie Harris, Ruth Johnson, Latoya Moore, and Cheryl Pearson. We will always remember their devotion and care.