Pastor Olivene Dover Martin, 84 of York, SC filled the streets of Glory with praise on Wednesday, September 22, 2021. Her family was at her bedside as she was welcomed in to her eternal home. She was born November 12, 1936 in York, SC to Bub Dover and Lothesie Bolin Dover.
In addition to her parents, she was proceeded in death by her son, James Winfred Martin, Jr, sister Geraldine “Tootsie” Dover and brother Bub “Rooster” Dover, Jr.
Olivene grew up in a larger family. The oldest of 10 kids, she often shared the responsibility of household chores and taking care of her brothers and sisters. Her love for her family was unconditional. She was the matriarch of the Dover clan, leaving a void that cannot possibly be filled.
She received Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at the young age of 17. Immediately she felt the urgency to reach lost souls and answered the call to preach in 1954. After preaching in youth camp in 1955, she began to expand outside of the small town of York. That same year she began running revivals as a visiting minister throughout the Piedmont of South Carolina.
She was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy in York, SC where she faithfully served in many positions. In 1982, she left the church she called home after receiving a call from her State Overseer. She accepted the call to fill the Senior Pastor’s role in Clover, SC. With only a few cement blocks in place, she took the responsibility of building a church from Brother Manuel Totherow. Throughout her 39 years of pastoring, hundreds have been touched by the music, ministry and charity of this small hometown church. There was a special place in her heart for children’s ministries. She loved the music of the church band, often playing her tambourine so hard the jingles would fly off but there was nothing better to see than her grabbing those shotgun shells and tearing up that washboard. Her worship will be missed but we know that she’s where she longed to be. She fought a good fight, she kept the faith and run this race. She is now rejoicing in the glory of her Savior and we long to meet again.
She leaves her legacy to be cherished by her survivors, her husband of 65 years James Martin Sr; daughter Beverly Ogle (Frank) of Clover, SC; daughter Sierra Davis (Adam) of Gastonia, NC; daughter Tammy Dover of the home; son Tim Martin of Rock Hill, SC, son Daniel Martin of York, SC. She was “Maw Maw” to 5 grandchildren (Brandy, Toby, Matthew, Brian, Wendy) and 5 great grandchildren (Kimber, Colt, Brionna, Konnar and her very special great granddaughter Emma who called her grandma), 5 brothers (Andrew “Jackie” Dover, Steve Dover, Kenny Dover, Acey Dover, Casey Dover), 4 sisters (Annie Mae Zirkle, Joyce Ligon, Tonie Owens, Anne Harvell) and a host of nieces and nephews.
A private graveside service will be held for the family and a celebration of life service will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Haven Ministries Church of God of Prophecy, 106 Hilltop Ln. Clover, SC 29710.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.brattonfuneralhome.com.
Bratton Funeral Home in York, SC is serving the Martin family.
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