Mrs. Martin's store in Pineville is open everyday except Sunday. Naomi Gourdine was born in Pineville to Baxter and Ella Gourdine. Her grandparents, Benjamin and Jane Jefferson Gourdine, were emancipated during the Civil War. Her father farmed cotton, corn, and string beans on 100 acres he bought from the Montgomery family. Naomi and her three brothers - Wilfred, Edward, and Chatman - assisted their father on the farm and attended J.K. Gourdin School a few miles from their home.

Young Naomi, who had been given an appreciation of education by her parents

and grandparents, worked her way through Voorhees College, South Carolina State, and earned a BS in education from Morris College just as WWII began. After graduation, she took the best job available at that time as an office worker in the Charleston Navy Yard.

Once a teaching position became available at Cross Elementary School (between Pineville and Eutawville), she took it. For 37 years she gave her knowledge and life's lessons to the children of her community.

Baxter Gourdine, Naomi's father In 1942, Naomi married James Martin, an auto mechanic at the Charleston Navy Yard. Her nephew, Luther J. Battiste Jr., the father of Luther J. Battiste III, an attorney and former member of the Columbia City Council, served in her wedding. During their 25 years of marriage, the Martins raised four children - Dorothy, Ruth, Belinda, and Carl.

After James's death in 1967, Naomi needed more income than she received from teaching in order to keep the family and farm together. Parcels of her father's land were sold, but she kept 40 acres and continued the garden plots James had always tended.

Charlie Gourdin sold Naomi a small plot of land on highway 45 near the post office, and she set up a small store she has been operating for over 40 years. She sells fresh vegetables, meat, and knickknacks and, still today, has the only gasoline pump in the village. Robert McCray and the Jenkins boys delivered groceries for her years ago.

Throughout her long life, Naomi maintained friendships with the white Gourdins. She remembers Charlie Gourdin's dog Popeye and the peacocks Mattie Gourdin Marion kept in her yard. J.K. Gourdin, the benefactor of J.K. Gourdin School, was a neighbor, and she recalls him as a friendly and generous gentleman. Julia Gourdin Gregg and Eljule Gourdin Everett (both widows) were helpful when problems arose in Pineville.

Ella Gourdine, Naomi's mother Naomi's church is very important to her. She has been a member of the 200- year- old Jehovah United Methodist Church all her life. Her husband was a trustee, treasurer, and taught Sunday School. When James died, Mrs. Martin took over as treasurer and served for 20 years. She has also served as trustee, Sunday School superintendent, Educational Board member, and Finance Committee member.

Naomi Gourdine Martin is a legendary figure in Pineville. Everyday, except Sunday, she can be found in her store dispensing gas, groceries, knickknacks, and good advice to all who pass by.

(Next week: Belvidere Plantation in 2008)

Photographed at the wedding of James and Naomi Martin in 1942 were (l-r) Luther J. Battiste Jr. (SC State graduate, SC State employee for 45 years where a dormitory is named in his honor), James Martin, Nancy Battiste Davis (SC State grad, retired librarian now living in San Antonio, Texas), unknown boy, Naomi Gourdine Martin, and two relatives.