HORRELL HILL Margaret Sloan Courtney, 91, passed away peacefully at National Health Care Center Thursday, July 18, 2019. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at Columbia’s First Presbyterian Church at 3:00 PM. Visitation for family and friends will be held immediately following the service in Jackson Hall at the church.
Margaret was born November 25, 1927 to the late Lorena McKinnon Sloan and E. Ray Sloan in Horrell Hill, South Carolina. She will be remembered as a beloved and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and surrogate mother to a generation of young South Carolinians who were recipients of the James F. Byrnes Scholarship. Margaret is survived by daughter, Jane Poston (Dal) of Huntersville, N.C.; daughter, Karen Ambrose (Thorne) of Simpsonville, S.C.; grandchildren, Jake Poston (Amy), Courtney, Maggie, and Harrison Ambrose. She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew K. Courtney; her parents, her sister, Evelyn McMaster and brother, Dr. Charles R. Sloan.
Her pride, joy, and first love were her husband of 58 years, daughters, sons-in-law, granddaughters, and grandsons. She spent many precious hours with her grandchildren with a devotion and love that they will remember and treasure forever.
A devout Christian, Margaret cherished her faith, loved her church, and was fully involved in all segments of church life. She taught Sunday School for 50 years to all ages from 10 to seniors, sponsored mission groups, sang in the choir, worked in the kitchen, kept the nursery, and chaired numerous committees. In her later years when attending church and circles became difficult, Margaret would engage in worship with her church on-line and served as the communicator for her women’s circle, keeping members apprised of events and upcoming meetings through email and phone calls. Margaret always found a way to stay engaged with her church, even when she was semi-home bound.
Margaret graduated from Lower Richland High School in 1943 and the University of South Carolina in 1946 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. Immediately after graduation Margaret assisted in the development of the first computerized Machine Records Office at the University, working closely with IBM. Subsequently, Margaret worked for the South Carolina Sales Tax Commission Machine Records office, handling the first collection of sales tax in the state.
In 1973, Margaret became the Executive Secretary of the James F Byrnes Foundation where she served for 20 years. Margaret became a surrogate mother to many of the Byrnes Scholars who, as scholarship recipients, had lost one or both of their parents. She was known affectionately as “Mom” Courtney and held close relationships with former scholars for the rest of her life. She will be remembered by the Scholars for her love, caring heart, mentorship, and high expectations for all to give their best. On April 11, 2019, Margaret was honored by a resolution in the S.C. State House recognizing her life-long dedication to the Byrnes Scholars and the Foundation.
As a result of her early exposure to planting and harvesting, Margaret’s main hobby became tending her beautiful plants and flowers. She spent many happy hours planting, watering and weeding, while also enjoying all the birds that feasted at her well-stocked bird feeders. Even in her last years, Margaret maintained a beautiful and peaceful yard.
While relaxing at home, books were her constant companion as she enjoyed reading diverse topics including historical fiction, fiction, and inspirational novels. She was a devoted member of the Lykesland Tuesday Afternoon Book Club and enjoyed documenting the club’s history on its 100th year celebration. Margaret stayed up-to-date on current events and sports, enjoying conversations in which she offered her perspective if asked. Her wisdom gained from both intellect and experience lent a unique ability to put life into proper perspective. She loved to travel and spent many happy trips with her husband Andy, visiting many parts of the United States, Canada, Israel, and Europe.
Margaret spent her later years chronicling her memories of growing up in Horrell Hill with a book entitled “Life on the Hill”. She contacted numerous neighbors from her childhood to include their stories in the text as well. In the past five years Margaret also used her journalism talents to write a book entitled “The James F Byrnes Foundation”, providing a history of the Foundation and a compilation of the life stories of over one hundred Byrnes Scholars. The book was printed this past week.
Margaret was known for her forthrightness, intellect, journalistic skills, commitment to task, but mainly for her love and devotion to Jesus Christ and those she considered family and friends. She will be missed by all that she touched through the years.
Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 1324 Marion Street, Columbia S.C. 29201; the James F. Byrnes Foundation, P.O. Box 6781, Columbia S.C. 29260; or a charity of choice.
Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
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