Dr. Gaye S Mouritzen

Dr. Mouritzen was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, daughter of the late Clifford and Edith Sweesy. In addition to her parents, Gaye was preceded in death by her brother: Clifford Mark Sweesy. She is survived by her daughter: Donna Simms and her husband Robert of Pickens; two much loved granddaughters: April Simms and June Simms; and two nieces: Christy Hunter and Tricia Ryan of Pennsylvania.

Gaye earned a BA from Houghton College in 1959, an MS in Education from Wagner College in 1964, and an Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University in 1993.

From 1961 to 1980, she supported her husband, Wayne, in his pastoral work at several churches including Morgan Memorial Wesleyan Church in upstate South Carolina, High Bridge Reformed Church in New Jersey, and Royal Oak Reformed Church in Michigan.

Dr. Mouritzen’s career as a teacher spanned five decades ranging from the elementary school to bible college and culminated in 21 years as a high school English teacher and then Lead Teacher at what is now the Dr. Marvin Dunn Academy for Community Education, an alternative education high school in the Miami-Dade County Public School system.

Gaye loved books. She participated in library organizations and book clubs, read to children at day care and elementary school in her retirement years, and read a book to match the theme at every childhood birthday party for her granddaughters. Also, in her retirement, she proofread several book manuscripts for a friend.

Gaye was a member of several church choirs throughout her life including singing with her daughter in the Pickens Presbyterian Church Choir and the Pickens Concert Choir. She was an inspiration to many with the vast number of hymns she could sing from memory. She also taught Sunday school and VBS classes throughout her life, ranging from children to older adults.

Visitation and viewing, with some family members, will be held on Friday, December 17, 2021 from 4:00 – 5:30 pm at Dillard Funeral Home. 2402 Gentry Memorial Hwy, Pickens, SC 29671.

A memorial service will be held Saturday December 18, 2021 at 11:00 am at Pickens Presbyterian Church. The family will greet friends following the memorial service in All Saints Hall at Pickens Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pickens Presbyterian Choir 311 W Main St. Pickens, SC 29671; Hobe Sound Bible College, PO Box 1065, Hobe Sound, FL 33475; or Friends of the Pickens Library, 124 North Catherine, Pickens, SC 29671.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.