Lillian Ernestine Martin Bruton
Lillian Ernestine (Tina) Martin Bruton, 86, departed this life on Saturday, January 27, 2024, to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven. Tina touched the lives of many as a devoted daughter, mother, and Mam Maw, and cherished sister and friend.
She was born in Gardendale, Alabama on September 11, 1937, to Otha Lee and Lillian Geneva Martin. She was a beloved sister to and is survived by her three brothers Julius Martin (Shirley); Allen Martin (Francis); and Roy Lee Martin (Dessie); forging deep connections that enriched the fabric of our family.
She married Roy Climie Bruton on August 26, 1955, and spent more than 42 years together raising their six children – Rodney Bruton (Carla); Robin Ruscetta (Tony); Mike Bruton (Tammy); Kelley Tingle (Jerry); Michelle Pace (Brian); and Cindy Hurley (Gene) – with love and wisdom. Her nurturing spirit extended to her 22 grandchildren – Joey Bruton (Amanda); Andrew Bruton (Brooke); Marissa Lee (Hunter); Jacob Ruscetta; Daniel Ruscetta (Morgan); Blake Fleming (Tara); Sarah Bailey (Shawn); Erika Bawkum; Kimberly Sorrow (Justin); Cody Bawkum (Allison); Amber Bruton; Nick Parson; Jordan Rotton; Lexi Phillips (Josh); Christian Pace; Cason Pace; Carolina Pace; Brittany Crouse (Mitch); Morgan Clary (Bryson); Noah Stasney; Aubreigh Stasney; and Kailyn Stasney – and 21 great‑grandchildren with another one on the way – Morgan, Xander, Caden, Eli, Harper, Alice, Griffin, Miles, Karis, Blake, Brooklyn, Bristol, Andi Kate, Braiden, Tinley, Jaxon, Millie, Gauge, Knox, Bowen, and Tillar – creating a legacy of family bonds that will endure through generations.
Tina accepted everyone as family and was known as Mam Maw to an even bigger extended family.
She was predeceased by her husband, Roy, and one great grandson, Knox Crouse.
John 15:5, beautifully reflects the essence of her life: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.”
These words encapsulate Tina’s deep-rooted connection to her faith, her strength derived from it, and the abundant love she shared with her family. Her life was a testament to the power of faith, family, and the enduring impact of a loving matriarch.
Her memory will forever live on in our hearts. As we mourn her passing, let us celebrate the rich tapestry of her life, a life lived with purpose, love, and an unyielding commitment to her beliefs.
Tina was a faithful member of Fountain Inn First Baptist Church, enjoying choir and participating in many musical events and services, and the senior ministries program which included friends and fellowship, and her love of travel.
She recently called Quillen Manor home and enjoyed the friends she made and the many social activities there.
A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 2 at Fountain Inn First Baptist Church, 206 N Weston Street, Fountain Inn, SC 29644. Interment will follow the service at Cannon-Byrd Memorial Park. Her family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 1 at Cannon-Byrd Funeral Home, 1150 North Main Street, Fountain Inn, SC 29644. The family will be at 10 Fairfax Drive Greenville, SC 29617 and 1083 South Frontage Road, Fountain Inn, SC 29644.
Contributions in her memory may be made to McCall Hospice House 1836 W Georgia Road, Simpsonville, SC. Her family greatly appreciates the care and blessings provided by McCall’s to their beloved mother and Mam Maw as well as to each of us individually.
May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love that she so generously gave throughout her life.
So very sorry for your loss.
Don & Linda Wolf
Condolences for all of your family.
My sincere condolences to you all. She was a sweet lady! I remember her well. What a legacy. God bless you all with peace until you meet again. 🕊️
Tammy (Hand) Gras
Tina was a very special lady. I can’t remember seeing her without that big smile. I’m proud to have called her my friend. My prayers are with you all.
Tina always met me with a sweet loving smile and soft greeting at church. Such a kind and caring lady , she spoke yo all she met. A lovely and true Christian lady
My deepest condolences to all of you. Sending prayers to the entire family. She was clearly a special lady. 🙏🏻
Tina always glorified Jesus a beautiful testimony of love.
So sorry for your loss we will keep your family in our prayers .
I’m so sad to learn of Tina’s passing. She was a special lady and a wonderful friend. I’m so sorry for all of her family. You are all in my prayers.
To the entire family I send condolences the enormous void in the loss of your mother. Prayers are being lifted to Our Savior to wrap his loving arms around each of you.
I worked with Ernestine at Met Claims. She was very kind to me.
Later years I met her again through her children. She is beautiful in the photo you selected.
This is so hard for me. Tine was so loved. She took care of all of us cousins because she was the first Miller grandchild. We had lots of fun when Roy and Tine came to our house to visit. Mom and Tine were like sisters instead of aunt and niece. I will miss her greatly. I will not be able to be at the funeral, but I will be thinking of and praying for all of the family.
God be with you and comfort you. In Jesus’s name
[Your Name]
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Dear Bruton Family,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and surrounded by the love and support of your dear ones. I am writing to extend my sincerest condolences on the passing of your beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and aunt. It is with a heavy heart that I learned of her departure from this world on the 27th of January 2024.
Please accept my deepest sympathy for everyone who had the privilege of knowing and cherishing this sweet lady’s presence in their lives. Losing someone we hold dear is undoubtedly one of the most challenging experiences one can endure. The pain and sorrow that follow such a loss are profound and indescribable.
Though I may not have had the honor of knowing her personally, I am certain that she was a remarkable woman. The impact she had on her family and all those who were fortunate enough to cross paths with her must have been immeasurable. From what I have heard, her love, kindness, and gentle spirit touched the hearts of many, leaving an everlasting legacy.
During this difficult time, remember that you are not alone in your grief. Allow yourself to lean on the support of family and friends, as they too mourn the loss of this extraordinary woman. My thoughts and prayers are with each and every member of the Bruton family as you navigate through this challenging period of bereavement.
May you find solace in the cherished memories you shared together. May her unwavering love continue to guide and inspire you in the days to come. May you take comfort in knowing that she is at peace, watching over you from above, forever a guardian angel.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything I can do to offer my support during this trying time. Whether it is a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on, or any other form of assistance you may require, know that I am here for you.
Wishing you strength, resilience, and the power to heal as you navigate the grief that accompanies such a profound loss.
With my deepest condolences,
Derick Patterson
I am so glad that out paths crossed at the McCall House. I enjoyed visiting, playing the guitar and singing for Mama Tina. You are were such a blessing to visit with and she was so precious. Praying for you all.
Teresa Howard
Hospice Volunteer