Margaret Holt Barwick

Margaret Catherine Holt Barwick was born at home in Saluda County on June 2, 1924. One hundred and one years later on December 17, 2025 she left her home to meet her Lord and Savior in the realms of glory.

The youngest daughter of Pet Boyd and Farrah Smith Holt, Margaret lived in Saluda and Newberry counties before moving to Columbia, her life long home. She had two older siblings Drury Walter Holt and Vera Elizabeth Gunter, who was her best friend. On a blind date, she met the love of her life. Washington McRayon Barwick. They were married in June 1948 and celebrated 55 years together before he passed away in 2003.

She began her work career as a switch board operator at Southern Bell Telephone Company during World War II. Through her 39 years of service, she worked in many different areas before retiring as Assistant Treasurer in 1976.

Margaret went to the Columbia schools and it was at Columbia High where her life long love of art blossomed. As a child, her uncle paid her a nickel to draw him a baby carriage. Many years later, drawing of her special carriage was found behind a bedroom dresser. After retiring, she took watercolor classes from Erica Hoyt, Robert Mills and others. She was known for her beach scenes, light houses and commissioned works of “old home places” done from old photographs. She was a member of the Trenholm Art Guild. In addition to painting, Margaret excelled in sewing, smocking, embroidering and canning vegetables from her husband’s garden.

Margaret loved her Lord and her church where she was a devoted member for over 78 years. At Kilbourne Park Baptist Church, she taught Sunday School, helped decorate for special occasions and worked with the Joy Club.

Predeceased by her husband, parents, siblings and other relatives. Margaret was survived by her niece Sandra Thomas (Howard), grandnieces Beth Downs and Katie Wilson and her great grandnieces Charlotte Wilson, Ella Downs and Savannah Wilson. She is also survived by her sister -in-law, Ruth Barwick and nephews, Lester Barwick (Gay) and John Barwick (Cindy) and their children, Talley Hansen and Harris Barwick, Jake and Ian Barwick and their children. She was also survived by nieces and nephews Jan Knight (Carol), Gayle Gray (W.E.) and Christine Driggers.

Known as Aunt Margaret or Aunt Mar to many, she loved her family and friends dearly. Living with her niece Sandra Thomas and her husband Howard for the last eight years, she “adopted” their daughters and granddaughters as her own. Margaret was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed.

A graveside service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery, located at 501 Elmwood Avenue, Columbia, SC 29201, on December 22, 2025, starting at 12:00 pm.

A memorial service will take place at Kilbourne Park Baptist Church, 4205 Kilbourne Rd, Columbia, SC, on December 30, 2025, beginning at 1:00 pm.