George Somers Obituary

George Murch Somers SUMMERVILLE - George Murch Somers departed this world on Monday, March 7th at 3 p.m. because he waited until school was out. Born in Philadelphia, PA, raised in Haddonfield and Maplewood, NJ, he graduated from Rutgers University where he was a member of the Glee Club. He was a Naval veteran of World War II, a teacher, and a lifelong learner. George began his teaching career in Bridgeton, NJ with students who were children of migrant farm workers, many of whom were formerly interned Japanese-Americans. This began shaping his ideas of social justice which he modeled to his children and his students. He taught everything but Math at Columbia Middle School in Berkeley Heights, NJ, Charleston High School and Wando High School, but taught history most of his career. A former student was never met that did not say he was their best teacher ever. George was an amateur musicologist and movie buff who hosted movie nights at the Presbyterian Home, as well as "Great Courses" discussions. He taught Sunday School for almost 60 years in every church to which he belonged. He was a charter member of the Charleston Symphony Singers' Guild, performing at Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto since 1978. He was predeceased by his parents, Cyril and Grace Somers, his brothers Robert (Bob), Richard (Dick), and his sister, Joan. He leaves behind his wife of 62 1/4; years, Catherine (Kitty), his children Wende and Richard Lewis of Glendive, MT, Garrison (Garry) and Kristin Somers of Chapel Hill, NC, and Miranda and Thomas (Tom) DiMarco of Lexington, SC, and his grandchildren J.G. Deppeler, Jr., Hillary Deppeler, Edgar and Rosa DiMarco, Grace DiMarco, Olivia Somers and Beatrice Somers. He also leaves behind overdue library books. A celebration of life will be at the Summerville Presbyterian Church on Laurel St. on Saturday, March 12 at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Presbyterian Home or the Summerville Presbyterian Church. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston