Barbara McSwain Young

Spartanburg, SC- Barbara McSwain Young, 82, beloved wife of William O. Young, died at home, Sunday, May 26, 2013. She was born June 27, 1930, in Darlington, SC, and grew up in Columbia, SC. She and Bill Young were married in 1951 following her graduation cum laude from the University of South Carolina, where she majored in journalism and was Homecoming Queen. As an editorial columnist for The Gamecock, USC’s student newspaper, she advocated for racial tolerance at a time when such views were unpopular if not dangerous. Bill and Barbara lived in Camden, SC; Waynesboro, VA; and Dordrecht, Holland, before moving to Spartanburg in 1964 to found Young Engineering Inc., now Tandematic Inc. In the course of establishing their company, Barbara and Bill traveled all over the world. She chronicled each of their trips, filling notebooks with humorous word sketches and photos of their adventures. She also was a freelance writer, contributing many feature stories on fascinating South Carolina people and places to The Sandlapper magazine. When home, Barbara was often found on the golf course at the Country Club of Spartanburg, where she was justifiably proud of shooting a hole-in-one. An active community volunteer and church member, Barbara helped to bring the Call to Discipleship program to Spartanburg and was co-coordinator of the group for several years. She worked for renewal of the Episcopal Church from within, and was a strong supporter of the Anglican Mission in America. Barbara was a member of the Book Review Club, the Country Club of Spartanburg, All Saints Church, and St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, where she served as chalice bearer, vestry member and Sunday School teacher. Barbara’s life was characterized by unwavering faith in Christ, which was expressed not only in her personal devotion, but in a life of service. She excelled in her roles as wife and mother and was a prayer warrior for many throughout her life. She personified grace and beauty. She fought the good fight, she finished the race, she kept the faith. In addition to her husband, Barbara is survived by their four children, Tish Young McCutchen of Alexandria, VA, Lucy Young Hooper and her husband, George Hooper, of Spartanburg, Dr. Bill Young and his wife, Barbara Atkinson Young, of Greensboro, NC, and Jim Young and his wife, Kathy Lever Young, of Blythewood, SC; and 11 grandchildren, Warren McCutchen, Sara McCutchen, Will McCutchen, Kate McCutchen, Briley Hooper, Peter Hooper, Anne Hooper Alexander, Bryson Young, Will Young, Mary Catherine Young and Anna Young. She is also survived by her brother, Aubrey McSwain of Columbia, SC; and sister in law, Pat Young of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Boothbay Harbor, ME. The family is grateful to her physicians, Dr. Mark Knipfer and Dr. Sarah Vidito of Spartanburg and Dr. John Baker of Camden, SC; to her pharmacist, Doug Harmon; and to her caregivers, Agnes Ewane-Ebaco, Jackie Walker, Misty Hensley, and especially Roxanne Watson, all of whom cared for her as a person and not just as a patient. A memorial service will be held, 1:00 pm on Friday, May 31st at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 400 Dupre Drive, Spartanburg, officiated by The Right Reverend C. Fitzsimmons Allison and The Reverend Joseph K. Smith. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. In remembrance of Barbara, memorials may be made to Mobile Meals, PO Box 461, Spartanburg SC 29304, or St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 400 Dupre Drive, Spartanburg SC 29307.