Martha Thurmond Bishop

Born in Edgefield, SC, she graduated from Edgefield High School as salutatorian of her class. She graduated from Winthrop where she served in the Student Government Council, the YWCA Board, and as a College Marshal. She later served on the Alumni Board and the Foundation Board. In 1991, she was awarded the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award as an outstanding alumna of the year. She was presented the Pioneer Award during the Women’s History Month by the SC Commission on Women.

After graduation from Winthrop, she taught in the public school in Orangeburg. In 1936, she married Dr. Walter Grady Bishop of Greenwood, SC. He was in service in World War II for five years, and she taught at Connie Maxwell Children’s Home and later at the High School during that time.

In 1958, she began teaching at Lander University and was there for eighteen years. She served on the Foundation Board besides teaching and was Social Director. On her retirement, she was presented one of the first two Medallions given by the College for outstanding service.