Suzanne Martin Gist

Suzanne Martin Gist, daughter of the late Julia Constantine and Willie James Seals, Sr. was born August 21, 1939 in the St. Paul Community of Clarendon County, SC. She transitioned on January 12, 2024 while in the care of McLeod Hospice House, Florence, SC. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her parental grandparents, James “Pa” and Julia “Ma” Raffield Seals and Anna Seals Boatwright Martin who raised her in her formative years, brother, Charles Martin, niece, Diane Martin and aunt, Alberta Martin Oliver.

Her education started at Zoar Hill Elementary, a one room school. Upon consolidation, she attended Scott’s Branch High School where she earned her diploma. She then completed two years of education at Morris College of Sumter, SC. Suzanne preached the importance of education to her children and grandchildren.

Suzanne was joined in holy matrimony to the late Sam Odell Gist, Sr. Their union was blessed with four children. Being a single parent did not stop Suzanne from producing four intelligent and caring children who cared for her until her death.

Suzanne was a hardworking employee of many places in Clarendon County. She spent many years working at Sunbeam Industries, but later retired from Federal Mogul Manufacturer of Summerton after 22 years of service. After retirement, she held various positions: a camp counselor, child care worker, store clerk, and certified nursing assistant until her final retirement.

Suzanne was a faithful servant of God no matter where she attended. She spent many years at St. Matthew A.M.E Church of Davis Station holding various positions. She later joined her family church, Historic Liberty Hill A.M.E of St. Paul. Her leadership roles included President of the Missionary Society, Class Leader, Stewardess, and Sanctuary Choir Member. She was also extremely active in the Sunday School Department until the pandemic and health issues interfered with her attendance.

She leaves to cherish her memory and legacy, her aunt who was raised as a sister, Shirley Flood of Manning, SC, four children: daughter, Deirdre Gist (Tonnie Moorer) of North Charleston, SC, son, Sam (Tina) Gist of Gastonia, NC, son, Kevin (Brenda) Gist and daughter, LaDonna Gist of the home, godson, Leondria Boatwright. She played a huge role in the rearing of her thirteen grandchildren: Desmond, Damien, Donyai, Donovan, Dionne, Darius, Devin, Destinee, Brian, Courtney, Deanna, Kevin II, and Kyra. Suzanne unconditionally loved her twenty-four great- grandchildren who all brought her such joy. She also held special relationships with Reginald (TY) Pusher, Margaret Brailsford, Terry Ragin and the Henry Family, Donald Robinson, Thomasina Gipson, special nieces, Sylvia McLean, Pamela Washington, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and community members.

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