Gertrude (Bob) Murray Martino was born on November 28, 1935 to the late Adell and Mattie Mae Gadson Murray.  The eldest of 8 children, "Bob," as she was affectionately called, was God's special gift to the Murray Family.  Bold and fearless, she fought with valor to remain here with us but when her body became faint, her spirit grew stronger and departed this life at the Colleton Medical Center on December 3, 2017, five days after celebrating her 82 ^nd birthday.

She was educated in the public schools of Dorchester County and worked domestically for many years and managed a laundromat.

She was married to the late Joseph Martino and to this union four beautiful and talented women were born.  She was a strong matriarch who reared her children with love and moral grounding. She was an exceptional cook, who specialized in baking, and had a fashionable taste for clothing, hair styling and decorative design.  Her daily worship was Sonlife Broadcasting Network which she rejoiced in watching for hours. She was blessed with a welcomed addition to her family, namely the Claude family: Ken, Rose, Keneisha, and Roshaun, whom she loved dearly.

At an early age, she joined St. Luke United Methodist Church, which is presently the newly formed New Grace United Methodist Church.  She loved the Lord and was a faithful and dedicated member who attended Sunday school, served as a communion steward, and was a member of the United Methodist Women until her health failed.

No life is ever complete without endearing family and friends that have enriched our lives along the way and such is the case with Gertrude.  She leaves to mourn her beautiful life,

four loving daughters – Joann  M. Frazier of St. George, SC, Loretta M. Anderson of Summerville, SC, Deaconess Clarissa M. (Deacon Ralph)Jenkins of St. George, SC, and Gerlien M. (Lawrence) Harrison of Lancaster, SC;  two adoring sisters – Ebenezer M. (Johnny)Wade of Grover, SC; and Bertha M. Salley of Walterboro, SC; one uncle, Arrie (Clementine) Gadson; one aunt, Corine Gadson; five grandchildren – Cedric J. Frazier, Kevin B. Martino, Jarian R. Martino, Chauncey A. Frazier, and Shanice Z. Harrison; three great-grandchidren – Jaiqwon, Talik and Jenn`yah; two sisters-in-law, Sadie Mae Murray and Eartha Lee Rivers; and a host of amazing nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by one sister, Luellen Fleming; four brothers - Vernal and Carlie Murray, Will Rivers and Joe E. Brown; and one son-in-law, the Rev. Dr. Clyde A. Anderson.

She is sorely missed and we shall never forget her valiant fight to endure, trusting in a most merciful God.  However, God chose to free His daughter and take her to a place of pure shalom.  She is at peace now and the heavens must have delighted in her coming!