Martha Ferguson Gardner, known affectionately as "Boo" to many, was born on June 29, 1944 to the late Willie and Sara Ferguson in Boykin, South Carolina. She received her spiritual foundational at Good Hope United Methodist Church.  She later became a member of Rafting Creek and Union Baptist Churches. Upon relocating to Maryland, she served as the Mother of the Church at Faith Deliverance Watchman Ministries in Essex, Maryland.

Upon graduating from high school, she enlisted in the United States Army.  She also furthered her education at Columbia College.

Over the course of her work career, Martha was employed with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Dupont, Sumter County School District, Private Caregiver and licensed Cosmetologist. 

She was the beloved wife to the late Sammie (Peter) Gardner. In addition, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Courtney Gardner; sister, Mary Ferguson and son in law, John Savage.

Left to cherished the memories are two daughters, Tracy (Carl) McLane and Bernadette Savage; grandchildren, Andre Anderson, Tecaria McLane, Martez Vaugn and Ryan Stuckey, Jr; siblings, Minnie Ferguson, Susie (Tommie) Miller,  Willie Ferguson and Calvin (Linda) Ferguson and a host of other relatives and friends.