Marilyn Mateer Beebe Sherrill

Born on September 4, 1931 in Anderson, SC and reared in Greensboro, NC, Marilyn was the eldest of three children born to Edward Michael Mateer and Mary Jolly Mateer. She died peacefully on Monday, December 3, 2018 in Greenville, SC. Marilyn attended Greensboro High School, class of 1949, and graduated from Converse College with a degree in English in 1953. She remained in Spartanburg where she began her teaching career at Pine Street Elementary School. Marilyn met her future husband, Charles Hamilton Beebe, a single father of two, at a PTA meeting, and they married the following year. While happily raising their three children, Charles was tragically killed piloting a company plane, leaving Marilyn a widow. She subsequently married two more times and was predeceased by both husbands, Stephen Barry and Tut Sherrill. Always active at her beloved alma mater, Marilyn served as the first hostess of the Converse College Alumnae House. She was a member of the Junior League and Debutante Clubs of Spartanburg. She formerly was an active member of the Church of the Advent, returning to her Presbyterian roots later in life. In 1974, she was called back to Greensboro to help with her family business, Southern Rubber Company, where she served as president for more than 10 years. Upon her retirement, Marilyn returned to her much-loved Spartanburg, including lifelong friends and her infamous bridge clubs. She was a voracious reader and a thoughtful, prolific writer. She was known for her kind notes to family and friends on every occasion. “Grand,” as she was lovingly known, delighted in gift-giving and sharing colorful and often funny stories of her youth with her large family. She was a loving and attentive mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be very missed. Marilyn was predeceased by her son, Charles, Jr., and her son in-law, Capers Bouton. She is survived by her siblings, Pat Denning and Mike Mateer, both of Greensboro, NC; her daughters, Jeannie Beebe Bouton of Greenville, SC and Mindy Beebe Egan (Mike) of Atlanta, GA; and her daughter in-law, Sue Cribb Beebe of Columbia, SC. Grand is also survived by her eight grandchildren, Townsend, Bill (Margaret), Anne (Hunt), Mary, Michael, Katie (Markus), Jack, and Chas; and her thirteen great grandchildren. Many thanks to Marilyn’s longtime friend, Tonya Morrell, for her kind and loving care over the years and also to Open Arms Hospice. Graveside services will be held Thursday, December 6th, 11:30AM in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307. A reception will be held following the service at The Piedmont Club, 361 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Converse College, Office of Philanthropy, 580 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302 or the charity of your choice.