Mary Stalvey Obituary

Mary Ann Stalvey CONWAY, SC - Mary Ann Long Stalvey, 79, of Conway South Carolina died on June 17, 2014. She was born in Conway on October 26, 1934 to Albert Harmon Long and Alma Watson Long. She had been married to her high school sweetheart, Rupert M. Stalvey, since June 24, 1958, nearly fifty-six happy years. Mary Ann is survived by her husband, Rupert M. Stalvey, Sr. of Conway; her son, R. Miles Stalvey, Jr and his wife RoxAnn Hodges Stalvey of Charleston, SC; three adored grandchildren, Rupert Miles "Tradd" Stalvey, III, Lawton Virginia Stalvey, and Ann DuBose Stalvey, all of Charleston; one brother, Charles Watson Long of Rock Hill, SC; nine nieces and nephews; and countless friends, close enough to be family. Mary Ann was predeceased by her mother and father, one brother, Albert H. Long, Jr., and one half sister, Sadie Long Turner. She graduated from Conway High School in 1952 and graduated Cum Laude from Winthrop College in 1956 with a degree in mathematics. Mary Ann was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church on Elm Street in Conway where she was an active participant. She was a member of FBC Chancel Choir for over fifty-five years. She served as a Deacon and was chairman, vice chairman and secretary for this group. Additionally, she was director of the Adult Sunday School Department and would brighten their every Sunday morning with flower arrangements she made. Mary Ann assisted her mother, Alma Long, in forming the Heritage Room in 1966 and followed her in serving as Curator until 2013. She served several times as Chairman of the Pastor Search Committee. She also served on the Church Stewardship Team, Children"s Division Committee, Senior Ministry Committee, Music Committee, Interior Committee for Church Renovation, Church Admin Team and Personnel Committee. She was a director and teacher of children's Sunday school and the director of the Girl's Auxiliary. In addition to her committee work, she assisted with piano accompaniment for church services, Sunday school, and children's choirs. Mary Ann was a natural educator. She taught for two years in Columbia city schools before returning to Conway where she continued her teaching career in Language Arts, mathematics, and geometry. During her tenure at Conway High School she chaired the organizational committee which formed the Conway High School Educational Foundation and served as a founding member of the Board of Directors where she acted in several leadership roles including President, Vice President, and Secretary. Additionally she aided in the organization of other high school educational foundations in Horry County, South Carolina, and other parts of the country. Mary Ann was a very active supporter of Conway. Working with Conway Main Street, USA, she served as a member and chairman of the Board of Directors, the Outreach Committee, and the Promotions Committee. As a member of the Ivy Garden Club, she served as President, Chaplain, Treasurer, and Secretary. She was also active in The Fine Arts Club of Conway, serving as President and Secretary-Treasurer. As a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Peter Horry Chapter, she served as Regent, Secretary, and Chaplain. She was a member of the organizational committee for the Friends of the Library where she was its first president. Additionally, she was a member of Horry County Endowment Board, Chamber of Commerce, Conway Middle School Advisory Board, City of Conway Visitor Board, Theatre of the Republic Board of Directors, and Horry County Historical Society. For her service, Mary Ann received several awards. In 2001, she was recognized by the Conway Chamber of Commerce as Woman of the Year. The Conway High School Educational Foundation named her Outstanding Educator and inducted her into their Hall of Fame in 2002. Conway Main Street, USA bestowed her with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003. And in 2010, Mary Ann received the LaVerne H. Creel Lifetime Achievement Award from Conway Chamber of Commerce. In addition to spending time with her beloved husband, she enjoyed writing, flower arranging, playing the piano, and boating. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church of Conway 11:00 AM Friday, June 20 with Dr. Robert W. Guffey. Jr. and Rev. Rocky Taylor officiating. The family will receive guests before the funeral service in the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church from 10:00-11:00 AM. Mary Ann will be laid to rest at Lakeside Cemetery in Conway, SC. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Mary Ann's memory to the First Baptist Church of Conway, 603 Elm Street, Conway, SC 29526 or to Mercy Care Hospice, 8216 Devon Court, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572. Please sign an online guestbook @ www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements are being handled by Goldfinch Funeral Home of Conway. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston