Viola Marie Bickley Cupp Boatwright

Viola Marie Bickley Cupp Boatwright, 80, of Lexington, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025, after a brief illness. Born on February 6, 1945, in Columbia, SC, she was the beloved daughter of the late Archie and Gladys Bickley.

After graduating from Brookland Cayce High School, Viola dedicated her life to public service and community involvement. Viola was an invaluable resource within the South Carolina Municipal Court system during her career. She retired as a respected Magistrate Judge for the town of South Congaree, where she served with fairness, compassion, and integrity. She was a proud member of the Eastern Star Lodge in Springdale, SC, and an active participant in the Jamil Temple as a member of the Jamil Characterettes, where she formed lifelong friendships and contributed to charitable causes.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Donnie Bickley; her husband, Walter A. Boatwright; and many dear friends and loved ones who she held close to her heart.

Viola is survived by her loving children: son Michael Cupp and his wife Tami; daughters Deborah Rutland and her husband Andy, and Deanna Kilgore and her husband Jack. She was a cherished grandmother to Rachel Hinson (Alan), Laura Dorn, Allison Lewis (Nick), Katherine Progler (Brad), and Zachary Kilgore (fiancée Sam Bowen) as well as great-grandchildren Matthew Taylor Dorn and Clara Rachel Dorn.

Viola found joy in the simple pleasures of life — family gatherings filled with laughter and games, Wednesday night dinners featuring a good burger and a cold beer, and the soulful sounds of Conway Twitty, Barry White, and Lou Rawls playing on the radio. During their marriage, Walter and Viola loved traveling and going on cruises. They also enjoyed many gatherings of friends and family at their lake place on Lake Murray and never turned down an opportunity for fun! Viola will be remembered for her warmth, wit, and magnetic personality that made her unforgettable to all who met her. She had an innate ability to connect with people, and once you entered her life, you were there to stay.

Her legacy of love, strength, and kindness will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 20th, at 10:00 AM at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home – West Columbia Chapel, 820 West Dunbar Road, West Columbia, SC 29170, with the service to follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Southland Memorial Gardens immediately following the funeral service.

The family would like to thank the Caregivers at Oakleaf Village of Lexington for the outstanding care they provided to both Viola and her family during her stay.