Stewart M Bristow

COLUMBIA - Katherine Stewart Mullins Bristow, widow of The Honorable Walter J. Bristow, Jr, died on Wednesday, August 25, 2021. Born August 4, 1930, to Katherine Stewart Clark and Edward Wade Mullins, she attended Columbia city schools, graduating from Dreher High School in 1947. She attended Hollins College for two years before transferring to the University of South Carolina where she joined Delta Delta Delta Sorority and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1951.

After graduation, Stewart worked for Providence Insurance Company managing their Columbia office. In 1952, she married the love of her life, Walter James Bristow, Jr, an attorney. They shared sixty-one happy years of life together until his death in 2013. Stewart joined Walter in membership at First Presbyterian Church where they were both active members. She served as a Sunday School teacher, secretary to her church circle, secretary to the Women of the Church, and held a weekly Bible study in her home. At the time of her death, she was a member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church.

Stewart was active in her children’s schools and enjoyed attending music recitals, baseball games, and plays. Extended family get-togethers at Edisto Beach were a particular delight to her. She was involved in the Columbia community as a member of the Junior League of Columbia, The Columbia Garden Club, the Town and Country Garden Club, the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, The Assembly, The Columbia Ball, The Quadrille, Forest Lake Club, and The Palmetto Club.

Her husband was elected to the South Carolina General Assembly in 1956 where he served for two years in the House of Representatives and eighteen years in the Senate. Stewart’s tireless work on his campaigns was integral to his success.

In 1976, her husband was elected judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit. Although retired in 1988, he continued to serve as a visiting judge. Stewart joined him on the circuit and together they enjoyed meeting people throughout South Carolina as he held court in every county of the state.

Predeceased by her parents, her husband, and her beloved daughter Katherine Mullins Bristow, she is survived by her son Dr. Walter James Bristow III and his wife Anne. Grandchildren are Abbot Land Bristow (Jordan Brummett), Dr. Katherine Stewart Bristow Patrick (Richard), Walter James Bristow IV, and William Melton Bristow II. Great-grandchildren are Katherine Stewart Patrick, Henrietta Harper Patrick, Anne Land Brummett, Jordan Christopher Brummett, Jr, and Richard Bristow Patrick. Surviving also are her brother Edward Wade Mullins, Jr, and her sister-in-law Caroline Bristow Marchant, and their families.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, August 29, 2021, at 3:30 p.m., at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be sent to Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29204, or The Still Hopes Resident Assistance Fund, One Still Hopes Drive, West Columbia, SC 29169. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com