Mary Barr Behlke

Mary Barr Cave Behlke, 87, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2025. Born on April 12, 1938, in Olar, South Carolina, Mary Barr was a gracious and gentle soul whose life reflected deep faith, unwavering kindness, and joyful service.

A proud graduate of Furman University, Class of 1959, Mary Barr went on to dedicate her professional life to helping others. She worked with the South Carolina Department of Social Services and South Carolina Protection and Advocacy for the Handicapped. Later, she served at the First Baptist Church of Greenville Kindergarten, where her heart for ministry and people left a lasting impact.

On December 26, 1960, she married the love of her life, the late Marvin Robert Behlke, Sr. Married for 50 years at his death, they built a family rooted in love, faith, and tradition. Mary Barr was also predeceased by her beloved parents, Mary Haile and Patrick Henry Cave. She is survived by her devoted brother, Patrick Henry Cave, Jr. (Doddie), and her two children, Linda Behlke Panning (Nate) and Marvin Robert “Bob” Behlke, Jr (Ashley), who carry on her legacy of compassion and grace.

Mary Barr was a cherished grandmother to seven grandchildren: Ashley Behlke RaVell (Brett), Catherine Panning “Kate” Graczyk (Ryan), Marvin Robert “Rocky” Behlke, III (Emily), Jonathan Robert Panning (Anna), Cave Jackson Behlke (Katelyn), Mitchell Joel Panning (Connor Felder), and Alston Elizabeth Richardson. Her heart delighted most recently in her eight great-grandchildren: Jax Behlke; Dylan, Emily, and Chloe Graczyk; Jacob and Grace Panning; Woods Behlke; and Genevieve Behlke.

A gifted pianist, Mary Barr’s music brought peace and beauty to all who heard it. She taught piano at home and served as church pianist for many years. She was a member of the Crescent Music Club and served as President in 2009. She was the kindest, most genuine soul—soft-spoken yet strong in spirit—whose warmth touched everyone who crossed her path.

Mary Barr’s life was a melody of love, faith, and gentle strength. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family and the countless lives she graced.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 2:00pm in The Carpenter Chapel at First Baptist Church of Greenville. The family will receive visitors beginning at 1:15pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Furman University Purple Pounders Endowed Scholarship in honor of Marvin R. Behlke, Sr.