Marjorie Boswell Pierce

COLUMBIA—Marjorie Boswell Pierce, 85,left this world at 2:35 p.m. on Sunday, December 17, 2017. A resident of Columbia, SC for 47 years, she is survived by her devoted husband of 49 years, Franklin Dwight Pierce; her brother, Blair Boswell of Los Angeles, CA;her 4 children, Michael Martin and his wife, Susan of Rutherfordton, NC; Lori Pierce and her husband, Gordon Purvis of Taylor Mill, KY; Gerald Pierce and his wife, Tammy of Irmo, SC; and her youngest daughter, Angela Pierce of the home in Columbia, SC, as well as 4 grandchildren and two great grandchildren and her beloved pet, Petey. The family will receive friends at their residence, 418 Leton Drive, Columbia, SC 29210onWednesday, December 20, 2017 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Marjorie was born in Newport News VA on December 13, 1931 to the late Margaret and Bryan Boswell.She graduated from Averett College (Danville, VA) with an Associate’s Degree in Music, and Columbia College (Columbia, SC) with a Bachelor’s in Music.She was an internationally renowned musician, and continually honed her craft as such esteemed institutions as l The Moscow State Conservatory, the St. Petersburg State Conservatory, and the Helsinki Sibelius Academy where she was chosen to attend, one of five participants from the United States. She is remembered with love by multitudes of piano students from over 40 years of teaching.She was an active member in the Columbia Music Teachers Association, the Dutch Fork Music Teachers Association, the South Carolina Music Teachers Association, the Music Teachers National Association and President of the Rose Society. Marjorie donated her time and talent to several organizations; a most meaningful endeavor was her success in helping immigrants obtain US Citizenship through teaching ESL and the Constitution of the United States.This opportunity was afforded to her as an officer for The Daughters of the American Revolution. Marjorie was also an elected official of Daughters of the American Confederacy and the Colonial Dames, as well as a member of the Huguenot Society of America.She was also a volunteer for the Red Cross where she taught knitting to the blind. She was a trained orchestral conductor, a docent at the State Museum and also taught English as a second language to foreign students. She was an avid contributor to Camp Kemo and volunteered her time to those in need. A world traveler, Marjorie maintained life-long friendships through her travels with People to People as well as having an adventurous solo travel career.She was a voracious reader, spoke several languages and loved her award winning rose garden. She raised test roses for Jackson & Perkins and Clemson University.She adored the study of genealogy and devoted countless hours to tracing our family heritage. She loved toknit and her beautiful knitted sweaters are deeply valued for their skillful designs.She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, and also frequently attended St. John’s Episcopal Church as a member and organist. She also was an organist for many other churches in the area.A member of Columbia Sailing Club for over 30 years she was active in the Ladies Auxiliary and built many friendships in the sailing community. Marjorie was known for her quick wit, no-nonsense attitude and dry humor.She was commonly referred to as “Mahvelous Mahgie” or Queenie” and she lived up to these nicknames daily.She will always be remembered as “Mahvey” by her loving husband Franklin.She was a force to be reckoned with which is what made her so special.She raised her children to be strong and went out of her way to see that we were all well read, and educated in both scholastics and fine arts. There will never be another like our Mother. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Visitation will be held at Temples Halloran Funeral Home, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 21, 2017. A private inurnment will be held at a later date in Ft. Jackson National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association 140 Stoneridge Drive, Ste. 210, Columbia, SC 29210 or on-line at www.alz.org.