Ossie Hamlett Martin

Ms. Ossie Hamlett Martin departed this earthly life on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Prisma Health Hospital-Richland in Columbia, South Carolina. She was born to the late Phillip Fergus, Sr. and Mabel Hamlett in Semora, North Carolina on August 6, 1940. She was a 1959 graduate of Person High School. She graduated from Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, NC in 1965, where she double majored in French and English Education. She began her career as an educator in Newark, New Jersey. While in New Jersey, she met the love her life, Johnny Martin, and they married on June 14, 1969. After marriage they relocated to Columbia and she taught in the Kershaw County school district. From their loving union, they were blessed with two children, Yolanda Renee and John P. Martin. In addition to being an educator, Ossie began a career in retail in 1972, at JB White and Belk stores in Columbia until she discontinued her active employment in 2020, due to COVID-19. In her spare time, she enjoyed writing poetry, reading, singing, and was very active in the Johnson C. Smith Alumni Association, church activities, volunteering, and traveling with her family. She was a faithful member of the Church of Christ on Ames Road where she served in many capacities including: the choral ensemble, The Spiritualties; Fellowship Ministry; and wherever her gifts and talents were needed. She was also the author of "Spreading Good Cheer Through Song and Verse". In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepmother Rosetta F. Fergus and nine siblings: James L. Hamlett, Minnie F. Bolton, Phillip Ferges Jr., Jannie F. Russell, Pattie F. Coleman, Mamie F. Thomas, Catherine F. Cunningham, Bennie Fergus, and Mary Ann H. Wilson. She leaves to cherish precious memories her husband, Johnny J. Martin of Columbia; daughter, Yolanda Renee Martin of Columbia; son, John P. Martin of Columbia; two sisters: Viola H. Brandon of Philadelphia, PA and Alice F. (Fred) Mitchell of Roxboro, NC; three brothers: Robert Furges of South Boston, VA, Willie Fergus of Alton, VA, and Shank (Marie) Fergus of Newark, New Jersey; sisters in law: Queen Hamlett of Yonkers, NY and JoAnn Fergus of Neptune, New Jersey; Betty J. Martin, Bobbie A. Martin, Creola Martin, and Barbara Martin, of Columbia, SC; and Johnnie Mae Martin of Chesapeake, VA. and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. To view the livestream: Go to Facebook, then go to the Palmer Memorial Chapel page, like the page and then you will be able to view the livestream which will begin 15 minutes prior to the service.

Ossie Hamlett Martin

August 6, 1940 - April 10, 2021