Mrs. Mary Shirley Whelchel
November 16, 1939 – November 10, 2023
Liberty, SC
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Shirley Whelchel, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Mary passed away peacefully on November 10, 2023, at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital.Born on November 16, 1939, in Pickens County, SC, Mary was a daughter of the late H.C. and Ellen Tate Shirley. She grew up in a loving household, fostering her strong values of empathy, kindness, and determination.Mary dedicated herself to education. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Coker College and later completed a Master’s degree in education at Clemson University. For many years she taught at Liberty High School and other Pickens County schools as well as in the Adult Education Program. She also worked as Administrative Secretary at Easley Baptist Hospital for nearly a decade.For most of her career Mary taught business courses at Liberty High School. Known for her gentle nature and soft voice, Mary was regarded as one of the sweetest ladies you could ever meet. Along with her husband George, Mary was a founding member of 5 Point Church in Easley, SC where she and her husband devoted a large part of their lives to that congregation.In her free time, Mary enjoyed traveling, reading, and spending time with her family. She deeply cherished moments surrounded by family and friends.In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Mary Ellen Whelchel, and 3 sons: Mark Whelchel of Liberty, Joe Whelchel (Allison) of Easley, and Scott Whelchel (Dana) of Liberty; 7 grandchildren: Kristin Howard (Dylan), Cam, Seth, Nora, James, Sarah Grace, and Eli Whelchel, and a great granddaughter, Finley Howard.She was preceded in death by her only brother, Hugh Shirley. To honor Mrs. Whelchel’s life a memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 9th at 2 pm at 5 Point Church in Easley, SC. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:00 until 1:30 PM at the church.