Martha Temples Risinger

Martha Rose Temples Risinger, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love on June 5, 2026. She was 89 years old.

Martha was born on May 13, 1937 in Batesburg, South Carolina to Henry Lloyd Temples and Mattie Usula Matthews Temples. Growing up on a working farm in Batesburg, South Carolina, she learned early in life the value of perseverance and dedication, a lesson she passed on to others. She graduated from Saluda High School. After graduation, she was employed by J.B. Martin Company, working as a weaver and later as a fabric inspector. She then worked at Gilbert Elementary School as a teacher’s aide, where her love for children and extraordinary kindness shone.

She loved flowers and was a gifted gardener. While living on her farm in Leesville, SC, she maintained a stunning rose garden year after year and grew the best Silver Queen corn around. Later in life, she always kept a huge display of thriving orchids and pansies in her sunroom. She was an exceptional cook—you could feel her love and care in every bite. Her icebox rolls and green beans will remain unmatched in the minds of those who ate at her table.

More impressive than any of her abilities or skills was Martha’s love for and devotion to her family and friends. She always seemed to know exactly what someone needed, whether it was a sympathetic ear, a laugh, or a molasses cookie. Her patience was seemingly unending and she had the kindest, gentlest soul. She saw the best in everyone and to truly know her was to feel deeply loved, seen, and valued.

Martha is survived by her daughter, Sharon Risinger; granddaughter, Morgan Sims; grandson-in-law, Alan Sims; great-granddaughter, Zoe Sims; sister and brother-in-law, Marlene and Virgieree Rikard; and nieces, nephews, and extended family too numerous to count. She was adored and will be deeply missed by them all. She was predeceased by her parents, Henry and Usula Temples; her husband, Herbert J. Risinger; and son-in-law, Ric Jones.

The family would like to thank everyone who has shown Martha love and care over the past few years. Special appreciation goes to Dr. William Korman, Dr. Steven Minter, and Dr. Niall McLaughlin. Her cherished caregivers Tania Squirewell, Alyssa Rodgers, and Jasmine White from Heart and Heroes were a constant source of support, love, and friendship. Care provided by Lutheran Hospice team Dr. John Gould, Gena Duffie, Temple Bemis, Kathy Shealy, Rachel Ristir, Tara Lardiere, Linda Shealy, Kris O'Barr, Teresa Tidwell, Toni Smith and Todd Oswald was exceptional and made all the difference in her last days. Dr. Leon Rawl of Cedar Grove Lutheran Church provided invaluable spiritual support.

Martha’s family will receive friends and family at 1:00 pm on Sunday, June 14th at Cedar Grove Lutheran Church in Leesville, SC. A memorial service will follow at the church at 2:00 pm with internment immediately after. Rev. Leon Rawl will officiate the service. Milton Shealy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cedar Grove Lutheran Church Building Fund at 1220 Cedar Grove Road, Leesville, SC 29070.