Marie Blick Tinch

Born in Emporia, VA, Marie was the daughter of Robert Lee Blick, Sr. and Marian Worsham Blick. She spent much of her youth in Disputana, VA and Petersburg, VA, and cherished fond memories of living on her father’s dairy farm, exploring nearby historic Civil War battlefields, and working in her local dime store. She was also an active member of Walnut Hill Baptist Church.

Marie attended Petersburg High School, where she received the Outstanding Business Student Award before graduating in 1961. After high school she began a career as a civil service employee of the United States Army at Fort Lee. In 1966 she married her husband, Darrel, and the couple moved to South Carolina. After a brief stay in Orangeburg, Marie and Darrel permanently relocated to Columbia, where Marie continued her civil service career at Fort Jackson. They had their only son, Kevin Lee Tinch, in 1971.

Marie had a long and successful career, beginning as a budget analyst before becoming the Installation Budget Officer for the United States Army at Fort Jackson. She was later promoted to Assistant Director of Resource Management, where she was responsible for obtaining and administering the funds required to operate and maintain Fort Jackson.

In addition to her many outstanding performance awards, Marie received the Commander’s Award for Excellence, the Equal Employment Opportunity Activity Supervisor Award, and the Distinguished Performance Award in Budgeting given by the American Society of Military Comptrollers. In 1991, Marie was recognized by the YWCA of the Midlands as a Tribute to Women in Industry (TWIN) honoree for her significant contributions in executive and professional roles. She retired in 1995.

Marie was an impeccable homemaker who always ensured that Darrel and Kevin had home-cooked meals and a warm, loving house. She and Darrel enjoyed a lifetime of travels complete with luxury camping, annual cruises, and lots of adventure vacations. When not traveling, they enjoyed relaxing with family at their house on Lake Murray. Her biggest joy in life was her granddaughters, and she made the most of every minute she had with them.

She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Darrel Ray Tinch; son, Kevin Lee Tinch (Emily); grandchildren, Caroline Evelyn Tinch and Helen Elizabeth Tinch; and brother, Robert Lee Blick, Jr. (Sylvia).

She is predeceased by her father, Robert Lee Blick, Sr, and her mother, Marian Worsham Blick.

The family wishes to thank the amazing and caring staff at the Palmettos of Parklane and NHC Parklane.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 24, 2024, at the Mausoleum Chapel at Greenlawn Memorial Park. A private burial will follow.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org, or to the charity of one’s choice.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.