Marla Katherine McCall Castillo

Irmo, South Carolina - Marla Katherine McCall Castillo, of Irmo, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 12, 2026, surrounded by family and loved ones after a short but aggressive battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 60 years old.

Born on August 21, 1965, in Columbia South Carolina, Marla lived a life defined by compassion, service, education, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Marla was the beloved and devoted wife of Ricardo Castillo, and a proud and loving mother to her daughters Brandy Tiedemann, of Grants Pass Oregon and Sonovia Perez of Hialeah, Florida. She was also the proud stepmother to Nicolas Castillo, Diana Castillo and Elisa Castillo, of Elizabethtown, Kentucky.

She was the cherished grandmother of Analeigh Tiedemann (9), Margaret Tiedemann (6), Jaelani Perez (11), Jemini Perez (7), and Jenesis Perez (1). Her grandchildren were her greatest joy- truly more precious than gold.

Marla is also survived by her sons-in-law, Robert Tiedemann and Jonathan Perez and loving aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members and dear friends whose lives she touched deeply.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Muriel McCall and Pearce McCall, her stepmother, Bettye McCall and her grandson, David Tiedemann.

A passionate educator, Marla dedicated her life to shaping young minds and lifting others. She taught at Pelion High School, Chester High School Swansea High School, and Irmo High School, where she was known not only for her commitment to academic excellence, but for her deep compassion for every student she encountered. Marla also taught for the Southeastern School of Massage Therapy for many years.

Her service extended far beyond the classroom. Marla was a tireless volunteer and humanitarian. She was always striving to make the world a better place- whether she was working with Partners of the Americas assisting with eye exams in South America, answering the call to serve through mission work in Africa, volunteering with the Red Cross Disaster Relief Team, or opening her heart and home to any person or animal in need.

Marla served as chair of the board for both the Midlands Center and her second home, Clayton Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church. She was a proud member of the St. Andrews Women’s club, and spent countless hours tutoring students in her spare time.

Marla believed in lifting others, building community, and making the world a kinder place. She lived her values through action, generosity, and unwavering love.

Above all, Marla’s heart belonged to her family. She was a devoted wife, a fiercely loving mother, a proud grandmother and a guiding light to everyone blessed enough to know her.

Marla’s legacy of love, service, and compassion will live on through all whose lives she touched.

The family will hold a private Celebration of Life for close friends and family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made on her behalf, to the Shriners Hospital for Children.