Martha Louise McIntosh McElveen, 79, wife of John D McElveen, died Saturday, February 23, 2019 at Greenville Hospital System under in-patient hospice care.

Mrs. McElveen was born September 18, 1939, in Florence SC, a daughter of the late Eugene Witherspoon McIntosh and Addie Belle Epps McIntosh. She was a graduate of Kingstree Senior High in 1957 and graduate of Columbia College in 1961, with a degree in Elementary Education. Her life revolved around her family, her church and her life as an educator. She taught second grade at Alice Drive Elementary in Sumter from 1961-62. In the summer of 1969, she was one of the four founders who helped organize and establish Williamsburg Academy. “Miss Martha”, as she was affectionately known, continued her career at Williamsburg Academy and taught first grade from the “first” first grade class in 1969 through her retirement in August 2012. She was head of the lower school from 1990-2012. “Miss Martha” was listed in Outstanding Teachers in America in 1976 and 1992. She was recognized as an Outstanding Leader in Elementary Education in 1976. “Miss Martha” was listed in Who’s Who Among American Teachers in 1996 and in Outstanding Young Women of America in 1971. Williamsburg Academy honored her as WA Teacher of the Year in both 1990 and 1996. She was the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) Lower School Teacher of the Year in 1996. “Miss Martha” was proud of all her children, including all the first graders she taught in those 44 years.

She was a former member of Williamsburg Presbyterian Church (USA) and a charter member of Kingstree Presbyterian Church (PCA). She was active in her church and was the primary Sunday School teacher for 45 years. In addition to teaching Sunday School, she served as a former Circle Chairman and Vice President of the Women in Church, a member of the Kingstree Presbyterian Church building committee, and served as Kingstree Community Youth Advisor from 1989-1995.

“Miss Martha” was well known for her baking and cooking abilities. Her “stickies” were always popular and she was first to volunteer to take a meal or provide food for a family in need. She adored her WA family and her favorite pastime was cheering on her Stallions at any sporting event. “Miss Martha” loved sharing her faith with children of all ages and taught more than just the ABCs in her classroom. Known for her high expectations, she helped guide the lives of over a thousand first graders in her teaching career and relished in the memories of each child.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, John DeLorme McElveen; her three children: Frances M. Witherspoon (Craig) of Matthews NC; John David McElveen (Kelle) of Greenville SC; and Elizabeth Louise McElveen of Greenville SC; her grandchildren: Spencer Witherspoon (Jordan), Sarah Witherspoon, Rebecca Witherspoon Stubbs (Brandon), Timothy Logan McElveen, and Tyler McElveen; her great granddaughter Coley Adaline Witherspoon; and her brother Samuel Eugene McIntosh of Daniel Island SC.

The family will have a private burial on Saturday, March 2, 2019. A memorial service celebrating the life of “Miss Martha” will be held at 2pm on Sunday, March 3, 2019, in the Williamsburg Academy Gymnasium, located at 1000 Sandy Bay Road, Kingstree SC 29556. Visitation immediately following the service.

Memorials may be sent to: Williamsburg Academy (Attn: Martha McElveen Stallion Fund), 1000 Sandy Bay Road, Kingstree SC 29556;  Kingstree Presbyterian Church, 229 Sumter Highway, Kingstree SC 29556; and Alzheimer’s Association, 123 Antrim Drive, Greenville SC 29607 or online at www.act.alz.org.