COLUMBIA - Marjorie Spelts Tollison of Columbia died peacefully on September 16, 2021 at age 92. Born February 15, 1929 in Greenwood, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Bessie Burnette. She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Richard Ellie Tollison, Jr.
Marjorie graduated from Lander College with a bachelors degree in history and the University of South Carolina with a masters degree in history. Following short teaching stints in Dublin, Georgia, at Dentsville High School in Columbia (now Dent Middle School), and at Crayton School (now Crayton Middle School), in 1959 she moved to the newly founded A.C. Flora High School where she taught United States history for 24 years. During her time at Flora, Marjorie served as adviser to various student organizations including the yearbook and International Club.
Following her retirement from teaching, she took over executive management of the family business, Columbia Reporting Service, which she ran successfully for eight years until her own retirement. In retirement, she was active in the Columbia Symphony League, Historic Columbia, the Spring Valley Garden Club, and First Baptist Church.
She is survived by her daughter, Susan Barnes of Columbia. Also surviving are her grandson, Richard Barnes (Kristi) and three great-grandchildren, Heather Martin (Jason), Kristopher Garcia, and Kyle Garcia all of Florence or Darlington, and several nieces.
The family is grateful to the physicians and staff at Prisma Health Heart Hospital and Prisma Health Hospice for their care during Marjorie’s final illness. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages a memorial to the charity of your choice.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 14, 2021 at First Baptist Church, Boyce Chapel, with burial to follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com
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