Sytheria Reeves Martin

“For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 God looked around his garden and found an empty place. He said I need a beautiful heart, a courageous spirit, and a big booming laugh. He then looked down upon his earth and saw a tired face. He put his arms around the perfect embodiment of all three qualities and lifted her to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful; he always takes the best. He knew that she was suffering, that she lived in quiet daily pain. He knew she would never get well, at least not on this plane. He saw her road was getting rough, and she could no longer climb the hard hills. So he closed her weary eyes, and whispered “Peace, love, and mercy be thine”. It broke our hearts to lose her. However, she didn’t go alone. For part of us went with her. That special day God called Sytheria home. Sytheria Reeves Martin was gifted with life on May 27, 1951. She was the daughter of the late Hayward “Fish” and Emma “EJ” Reeves. Born in Irmo, SC in a time when songs like “The Blinding of Isaac Woodard” explained the treatment of Black Americans. On Wednesday, January 6, 2016; the Lord stretched his arms and welcomed her back home, while the choir declared “I was Here”. Sytheria was baptized and became a member of St. Paul AME Church in Irmo, SC at a young age. She went on to graduate from Irmo High School during the height of the civil rights movement. After High School, Sytheria married, had two children, and divorced. Through the urgings of her mother, she moved to the Bronx in NYC. Once in New York, Sytheria decided to further her education. She was employed at Community Resource Center for the Developmentally Disabled while working towards her Associate Degree in Psychology. After obtaining her degree, Sytheria quickly acquired her nursing licensing and begun working for Harlem Hospital. In the late 1980’s early 1990’s a unique opportunity presented itself. Sytheria, was able to work at a hospital that provided treatment to patients that most people were afraid to walk next to in the street. For the next 20 years, she worked with patients that had HIV/AIDS. At times, she would pick -up agency work or a second full-time job at St. Vincent de Paul nursing home. In 2009, it all ended when she was hurt and unable to walk for long periods of time. Sytheria, was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Willierma Reeves. She leaves to cherish her precious memories; a brother, Tyrone C. Reeves of Irmo, SC; a daughter, Rachel V. Martin Carey, of Charlotte, NC; a son, Vermillian C. Martin and a daughter-in-law, Patera Eskew-Martin, both of Irmo, SC. Additionally, she is survived by her grandchildren; David C. Bruce jr., Jonathan C. Eskew-Martin, Erin A. Martin, Akera K.Carey, Jeremiah N. Martin, Tyrell R. Carey, and Emma Rose N. Hodges. A Celebration of Life for Sytheria Reeves Martin will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, January 16, 2016 at St. Paul AME Church, 835 Kennerly Road, Irmo, SC 29063.Officiating will be Reverend Marion Reeves and Reverend Dr. Derrick Scott. Burial will follow in Bush River Memorial Gardens, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212.The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon prior to the service at the church.Temples Halloran Funeral Home is assisting the family.