Margie Fay Clary Obituary

Margie Fay Clary

CHARLESTON - Margie Willis Clary entered into eternal rest on April 9, 2026. Her funeral service will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at Fort Johnson Baptist Church, 1473 Camp Road, Charleston.

Margie was a loving, compassionate, creative, lifelong learner and teacher. She loved her Lord, her family, and her many friends. She was passionate about US history--especially the Civil War, poetry, writing, and inspiring others to share in her passions through her gift of teaching.

Margie was born July 1, 1931 in Pelzer, SC and graduated from Greenwood High School in 1949. She then attended Furman University for her BA in Education where she met Ralph Clary from Gaffney, SC. Margie and Ralph were married 67 years and had two children, Wayne and Sheila.

Margie's teaching career began in Greenville where she was a fourth-grade teacher for nine years in Parker District, later becoming the director and head teacher of Eastlan Baptist Church. While in Greenville, she appeared as the teacher on the television program, Romper Room. After moving to James Island, SC in 1965, Margie taught first-grade for 23 years at Stiles Point Elementary. Concurrently, she worked on her Master's in Education from the Citadel which she received in 1980. Margie remained active in Delta Kappa Gamma--a teacher's altruistic sorority-into her 90's. She acted as the second president of the group.

After 33 years, Margie retired from the public school system but continued exercising her gift of teaching in new ways. She worked as an adjunct professor at the Citadel, a supervisor of student teachers at CSU, a professional storyteller with "Charleston Backporch Storytellers" and was active in the state Art in Schools program. In 1995 she penned her first children's book, "A Sweet, Sweet Basket", a copy of which is in the Smithsonian Museum as a notable book for children. She authored many other books to teach readers about SC history, including: "Make it Three" (Hunley submarine), "Searching the Lights" (Morris Island Lighthouse), "The Gullah Alphabet", "The Beacons of SC", "South Carolina Lighthouses", and "Spirits and Legends" (SC ghost legends). At age 88, Margie published her first novel, "The Long Way Home," a Civil War story. She was planning her next novel to be based on the history of the Charleston Naval Base.

Ever passionate about her love of Jesus, Margie was very active in her church. She began serving at age 14 teaching Vacation Bible School. She started the first children's choir at Fort Johnson Baptist Church and taught GA's , receiving her training at Camp Rawls and Ridgecrest. She sang in the church and senior choirs and was on the flower committee for 25 years. Margie worked with WMU both locally and statewide until 2000. Her passions for her church, writing, and history came together as she compiled and authored the history of FJBC, "50 Years Together", in honor of the church's 50th anniversary. Margie faithfully led children and adults to Jesus through her virtuous example and Sunday school lessons which she continued to teach until she was 88.

Margie was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Clary, her parents, Rev. Joseph Ernest Willis and Bella Langford Willis, twin brother Rev. Martin Willis, sister Hellen Willis Woodberry, brother Joseph Ernest Willis (Joe), and son-in-law Grady Griffin. She leaves behind her children, son Wayne Clary (Cindy), daughter Sheila Griffin, grandson Caleb Griffin (Robin), grandson Scott Clary (Tuesday), granddaughter Jill Coggins (Joshua), great-granddaughter Faye Coggins. Also her sister-in-law, Bertie Willis and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Margie was loved by all. She was a true Southern Lady who mentored many and left a legacy that will go on to inspire others for years to come.

The relatives and friends of Margie Clary are invited to attend her Funeral Service 2:00 PM Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from Fort Johnson Baptist Church, 1473 Camp Road, James Island. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Fort Johnson Road. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ft. Johnson Baptist Church, 1473 Camp Rd. Charleston, SC 29412.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston (843) 766-1365.

We invite you to share a memory and sign our guest book.