Marlene Martin

Gaffney, SC - - Marlene Vaughn Martin, 94, formerly of Gaffney, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Upstate Community Hospice House in Landrum.

Born in Gaffney, she was the widow of the late Arthur Gene Martin and daughter of the late James Haskell Vaughn and Bessie Hodge Vaughn. She was a 1950 graduate of Gaffney High School, attended Winthrop College and nurse’s training in Rock Hill, SC and retired from Butte Knit in Spartanburg. Marlene worked in a variety of capacities throughout her life, approaching each position with dedication, integrity and a strong spirit. Her strong work ethic and willingness to help others were evident in every role she held. She loved her family and was a member of Goucher Baptist Church.

Surviving is a son, Robert “Bobby” Martin of Gaffney; three daughters, Donna Brown (Benny) of Tryon, Gayle M. Stone (Ric) of Spartanburg, and Janice M. Swaney (Charles) of Woodruff; a brother, James Haskell “Buddy” Vaughn, Jr. (Patricia) of N. Augusta; a sister, Patsy Baker (Ronnie) of Seneca; eleven grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Perry Gene Vaughn and two sisters, Selma Q. Rabb and JoAnn V. Cauble.

The family will receive friends from 1:00PM until 2:00PM on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at Goucher Baptist Church. Funeral services will immediately follow at 2:00PM at the Church with Reverend Robbie Stollger, Reverend Mark Hazle, Reverend Johnny Evans and Chaplain Roy Mathis officiating. Interment will be in the Goucher Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, www.komen.org or Goucher Baptist Church, 415 Goucher Creek Road, Gaffney, SC 29340.

The family will be at their respective homes.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com

Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, SC