Shirley Honigman Sarlin

Shirley Honigman Sarlin, age 90, of Greenville, South Carolina (formerly of Liberty, South Carolina), died peacefully on January 29, 2017, at Hospice Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia. Born in Gastonia, NC, on May 9, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Hinda and Maurice Honigman. She studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York and graduated magna cum laude from Southern Wesleyan University. She was an active member of Beth Israel Synagogue and was involved in numerous cultural and civic affairs. Mrs. Sarlin was a professional actress and was a member of Actor Equity for over twenty-four years. She appeared in more than sixty-five theatrical productions in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Ohio, and Washington. She also appeared as Guest Artist at Pittsburg State University in Kansas. She starred in the world premiere of the one woman show, "The Other Side of Golda: At Home with Golda Meir." Other favorite roles include Amanda in the "Glass Menagerie," Annie in "Foxfire," Woman in "Woman Without a Name," Grace in "Grace and Glory," Sada in "Sada" and Daisy in "Driving Miss Daisy." For ten years she taught public speaking at the Pickens County Adult School. She conducted numerous drama workshops and speech choirs throughout South Carolina. Mrs. Sarlin established three annual arts awards for Liberty High School students for excellence in drama, chorus and band. Shirley Sarlin was a member of the Crescent Music Club of Greenville for thirty-four years and served on its board for thirty-two years. She volunteered at Shriner's Hospital and the Meyer Center, and she delighted in reading and acting out stories for children at these facilities. Mrs. Sarlin served as President of the Liberty Friends of the Library, The Liberty Women's Club and the Liberty Matrons League. She was a charter member of the Pickens County Arts Commission and served on the commission for twenty-eight years, nine of those as its Chairwoman. The Pickens County Council established an annual prize in her honor at the Pickens County Juried Show in recognition of her dedicated service. Mrs. Sarlin served as a member of the Pickens County Historical Commission and was a charter member of the Pickens County Cancer Society, serving as its first Secretary. She was a member of the Tri-County Foundation Board and the Tri-County Nursing Committee. Mrs. Sarlin was a member of the Pickens County Library Board for four years. In 1982, the Pickens-Liberty Lions Club named her Citizen of the Year. As a Girl Scout Committee woman, she worked to raise funds for the Girl Scout Building in Liberty and continued to raise funds for its maintenance for sixteen years. She served as President of the 7th District of the South Carolina American Legion Auxiliary, later serving as state Parliamentarian. In 1994, the Liberty Chamber of Commerce presented her with a Lifetime Community Service Award. Beth Israel Sisterhood honored her with "Woman of Achievement" in 1996 and "Woman of Distinction" in 2010. Mrs. Sarlin leaves a legacy of helping others through her kindness and volunteering and of enriching others with her impressive talents. She will truly be cherished by all those whose lives she touched. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Sarlin was pre-deceased by Ralph, her beloved husband of over sixty years, and by her son Dr. Milton Sarlin. She is survived by her daughters Becky Lou Alper (Jonathan) of Heathrow, Florida, Janet Duncan (Lewis) of Marietta, Georgia, and Linda Chidsey of Highland Village, Texas; daughter-in-law Sandy of Marietta, Georgia; nine grandchildren, Mitsi Sarlin, Elana Sarlin, Eli Alper (Rachel), Gideon Alper (Dallin McBride), Moriah Alper, Miles Duncan, Hillary Duncan, Matthew Chidsey, and Morgan Chidsey; and two great-grandchildren, Aaron Alper and Micah Alper. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, February 1, at 11:30 at Beth Israel Cemetery on 4814 White Horse Road in Greenville with Rabbi Mathew Marko officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Beth Israel Synagogue, 425 Summit Drive, Greenville, SC 29609, or Crescent Music Club, 200 Rocky Point Way, Greenville, SC 29615. Arrangements by The Mackey Mortuary, online guest registry available at www.mackeymortuary.com