Mary Marshall (Ragland) Coxe

Mary Marshall Ragland Coxe died peacefully in her home on February 21st. She was the youngest daughter born to Mary Ellen Ragland and Edmond Urquhart Ragland on May 3, 1930 in Raleigh, North Carolina. She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas Chatterton Coxe III and her sister Henrietta Ragland Badham.

Mary Mar, as she was affectionately known to family and friends, attended Ravenscroft, St. Margaret's School, Saint Mary's School, University of North Carolina, and graduated from Randolph Macon. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority and especially enjoyed her involvement with the Humor Society embracing one of her favorite life mottos "laughter is good medicine" inspired by Proverbs 17:22. Attending church schools for fourteen years, Mary Mar acquired a deep appreciation for hymns and liturgy that helped shape her strong Christian faith. At age twelve, her Confirmation in the Episcopal Church was featured in Life Magazine.  In 1948, Mary Marshall was honored to be the Leader of the North Carolina Terpsichorean Club Debutante Ball. She married Tommy Coxe on January 31, 1950 at Christ Church Episcopal in Raleigh. Although Mary Mar was born and raised a city girl she moved to Tommy's hometown and developed a sweet love for the community of Darlington.  She was a member of Over the Teacups, served on the board of Saint Mary's School and the Board of Visitors of Brookgreen Gardens. She was a member of the Colonial Dames of America and she especially enjoyed her involvement with the Palmetto Garden Club of South Carolina. Much of her time and passion was poured into St. Matthews Church, serving as co-chair of the Altar Guild for 50 years. Mary Mar placed high value on her ideals: faith in God, family, hospitality, fashion, humor, and gratitude for blessings she received.

Mary Mar and Tommy spent much of their life traveling for business and pleasure. She attributed her long and healthy life to "walking all over the world." They instilled a lifelong love for adventure and education in their children and grandchildren.  Mary Mar is survived by her four sons, Tom (Nan), Campbell (Meredith), Ragland (Suiter) and Miles (Regan); Ten grandchildren: Mary Ellen Baur (Eric), Nancy Batten (Tyler), Margaret Kemp (Sharp), Tommi Good (Connor), Cam Coxe (Marah), Hagood Critz (Dale), Suiter Wasserman (Brad), Ragland Coxe Jr. (Natalie), Eliza Coxe and Annamiles Coxe. Fourteen grandchildren: Charlie, Ashton, Wiley, Banks, Flip, Thomas, Lily, Thatcher, Mae, Mary Marshall, Emmy, Tripp, Biff and Gilly.  The family is appreciative for the dedicated caregivers who helped over many years, especially Janie, Susan, Tonya and Maxine. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Matthews Church 210 South Main Street, Darlington SC 29532.

Expressing her love of humor, Mary Mar wrote a final farewell:  "I hope this isn't my final verse,  before I run to catch the hearse.  I like to scribble and make things rhyme, but now I'm running out of time.  You read these days that someone passed or even slipped away, what they wore and where they lay. Nash your teeth and tape your hair, the Bible says can show despair. The newest term is one transitioned, or someone has changed into a new condition. But when I "go" I'd be obliged If you will simply print, "she died."

A Funeral Service will be held at 12:30pm on Tuesday February 25th at St. Matthew's Church, 210 S Main St, Darlington. Immediately following the service, there will be a reception at the family home located at 601 Cashua Ferry Road, Darlington.