Marion King Tompkins McArthur

Marion King was born April 8, 1927 in Fort Motte, SC.

Marion grew up in Columbia, SC and graduated from Dreher High School and the University of South Carolina.

Marion was the daughter of the late Barrington Clemens King and the late Marion Henagan King. She was pre-deceased by her brother Barrington C. King (Connie) and sister Mary K Butler. In 1947, Marion married Arthur S. Tompkins III. Marion and Arthur celebrated 50 years together before his death in 1998. She is survived by 3 of their children, son, Arthur S. Tompkins IV; daughters, Elinor B. Tompkins and Mary Elizabeth Hampton; and pre-deceased by daughter, Marion Murray Tompkins. She was pre-deceased by her son-in-law, John Drew Hampton. She was the grandmother of 7, Drew Hampton, John Hampton, Kate Iseman (Hunter); Will Brownlee (Beth), Elizabeth Brownlee; Ann Austin and Murray Young (Chris). She was the beloved great grandmother of 14. She is survived by her sister-in-law and devoted companion, Mary Murray Tompkins Black.

She was a life long member of Shandon Presbyterian Church where she served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher for many years. She started the children’s speech and hearing clinic for the Junior League of Columbia, was a member of the Columbia Historical Society, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Assembly Club, and other organizations.

In 2007, Marion married Palmer McArthur. After a short period of adjustment for both the Tompkins and McArthur families, we learned that big hearts have much love to share. They shared many years of happiness together until Palmer’s death in 2013. That love is shared with Palmer’s family, son, Palmer McArthur Jr. (Caroline); daughter, Mary McFadden (Mac); son, Miller McArthur (Holly); and daughter Nora Fowles (James) and their many children and grandchildren.

Titoo, a childhood nickname she was affectionately called, was a loving influence in the lives of her family and friends. She was known for her hospitality, her southern mannerisms, and her ability to relate to all ages. She was well known for her famous cheese biscuits. Family, friends, neighbors and many people enjoyed her special recipe. She would share it but no one could recreate it as well.

Marion will always be the greatest positive influence on her children and grandchildren. She showed strength and grace throughout her life by her actions and devotion to her family. There was never a doubt that she would be your “go to” when you needed emotional support or life advice. Marion’s love and untiring care to family and friends, her optimism, her kindness, her generosity, and her sincerity made her a role model for those who knew her.

A funeral service for Marion will be held at 1:00 pm, Thursday, September 21, 2023, at Shandon Presbyterian Church, 607 Woodrow St, Columbia, SC 29205. A reception following the service, will be held at the family’s home. The burial will be a private service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Prisma Health, Midlands Foundation Atrium Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shandon Presbyterian Church, Pastor’s fund.

The family is being served by the Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel of Columbia. Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com