Dr. Lovett

Dr. Martha Thomas Lovett of Spartanburg, died Wednesday, December 19, 2017 at Summit Hills following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease. A native of Chatham, Virginia she was the daughter of the late Raleigh Haywood Thomas and Estelle Riddle Thomas of Danville, Virginia. Dr. Lovett was a graduate of James Madison University with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. She later received a Master's Degree in History from Cleveland State University and a Ph.D. from Bowling Green State University in Education Administration. She came to Converse College in Spartanburg as Director of Teacher Education in 1986 and later became Dean of Graduate Education and Special Programs, retiring in 2002. Education was her passion, especially for women returning to the work force after having children. She became an active champion for them speaking throughout the state of South Carolina on their behalf. Dr. Lovett received many awards and honors during her academic career. These awards include Alumnus of the Year from Bowling Green State University, The Spirit of Converse Award, The Martha Kime Piper Award sponsored by the South Carolina Women of Higher Education Administration among many others. She served as President of the Greenville-Spartanburg Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, wrote numerous articles published in educational journals and co-authored a book with Dr. Ron Parton entitled, "Survival Kit for Social Studies Teachers" published by Simon Schuster. She was a member of Spartanburg Rotary and St. John's Lutheran Church of Spartanburg for over 25 years serving in various capacities. Dr. Lovett is predeceased by her husband of 49 years; Marshall Haseman Lovett. Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Martha (Marcy) Lovett Adams and Thomas Mark Adams of Rochester, NY; and Susan Thomas Lovett and Paul Thomas Morrison of Rockport, Mass; and four grandchildren, Justin Marshall Adams, Corinne Elizabeth Adams, Edward Lovett Morrison and Evelyn Lovett Morrison. She is also survived by her beloved first cousin, Annette Simpson Smith of Spartanburg, SC. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 12, 2018 from 6-8 PM at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29307. A funeral memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2018, at 10:00 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church with a light reception following in the church fellowship hall. A private interment will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Dr. Lovett's name to Converse College, 580 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302 or to St. John's Lutheran Church, 415 S. Pine Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dr. Martha Marie Thomas Lovett please visit our Sympathy Store.