Martha Joann Burrell

Martha Joann "Nanny" Burrell, 84, of Inman, South Carolina, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025 at her home.

Born in Spartanburg, South Carolina on February 26, 1941, a daughter of the late Margie Burrell.

She was a member of Jackson Memorial Baptist Church and worked as a dietary cook for nearly 50 years.

In addition to the love she shared with her family, she had a passion for animals—especially cats. To her, even the chubbiest dog could use another meal, and any cat that glanced her way was surely hungry. Every cat in a 5 mile radius showed up at dinner time because Nanny would happily give her own dinner up for a stray. Her love for animals was unconditional and a value she nurtured and passed along.

She loved her two sons-in-law, John and Eddie, as if they were her own knowing she could call on them at any given moment. She was lovingly surrounded by her devoted sisters who cherished simply sitting by her side, offering comfort, conversation, and companionship and Myrtle graciously driving to all of her appointments.

She is survived by two daughters, Debbie Lankford and Tammy Howard and her husband Eddie; six sisters, Ellen Page, Evelyn Cooper, Barbara Hall, Myrtle Wright, Brenda Atkins and Linda Cooper; one brother, Bobby Burrell; three grandchildren, Crissy Price (Jason), Mandy Loveridge (Lance) and Travis Howard (Misty) along with six great grandchildren, Noah Loveridge, Gunnar Howard, Jayce Loveridge, Letty Howard, Maddox Loveridge and John Price.

She was predeceased by one son-in-law, John Lankford; two sisters, Shirley Turner and Sissy Burrell and two brothers, Clay Burrell and Avery Burrell.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 11:00-11:45 AM at Jackson Memorial Baptist Church.

A Celebration of Her Life Service will follow at 12:00 Noon with Rev. Michael Owenby, Dr. Tommy Turner, Brother Tony Partin and Rev. Steve Price officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens Inman, South Carolina.

Memorial donations may be made to: Spartanburg Humane Society, 150 Dexter Rd. Spartanburg, SC 29303.

The family would love for everyone who attends the celebration to please wear pastel colors as that was her favorite.