
Mary Rebecca Murdaugh Peeples
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Mary Peeples, 95, passed away August 27, 2022 at Beaufort Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. Services will be held at Sandhill Baptist Church, Varnville, SC on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at 2:30 with burial to follow at Sandhill Cemetery. Visitation with the family will occur prior to the service in the church social hall beginning at 1:30. Arrangements will be managed by Peeples?Rhoden Funeral Home of Hampton, SC.
Mary was born September 7, 1926 in Yemassee, SC the daughter of Cornelious and Irene Gibson Murdaugh. After her mother's death in 1938 her uncle and aunt, Harold and Carrie Sineath, came to help take care of the family. She lived most of her life in Early Branch part of a tight-knit community of friends and relatives whom she dearly loved.
In 1944 she married Harold Lorrimer Peeples, Sr a native of Early Branch who died in 2003. Together they reared a family of two children Joyce Bunton (James) of Beaufort and Harold Peeples, Jr. (Jane) of Rock Hill. Mary is also survived by four grandchildren: Rebecca Woods (David) of Mt. Pleasant, Robert Bunton of Beaufort, Ashley Peeples (Jessica) of Rock Hill and Spencer Peeples (Rebecca) of Los Angeles, CA; and eight great grandchildren Haley Woods, Holden Woods, Harrison Woods all of Mt. Pleasant; Davis Johnson and Catlyn Johnson of Charleston; Evelyn Peeples of Rock Hill; and August Peeples and Alice Peeples of Los Angeles, CA.
Also surviving are her sister Loraine Ferguson of Beaufort and her brothers Franklin Murdaugh (Queenie) of Hampton and Wesley Murdaugh(Frances) of Hilton Head. She also leaves behind cherished nieces and nephews who affectionately called her "Mimmie."
In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was predeceased by her step mother Erneal DeLoach Murdaugh and brothers Clifton Murdaugh and his wife Shirley of Early Branch, James Murdaugh (Verlie) of Jacksonville, FL; also her sister Joann Pittinger and husband John of Early Branch and brother-in-law Arnold Ferguson of Beaufort. One brother, Ralph Murdaugh died in childhood.
Mary was a tireless worker whether as a supervisor for Best Manufacturing from which she retired in 1991or working with her husband Harold in numerous family businesses. Together they turned a gas station and car repair business in Yemassee into what is now known as Harold's Country Club. Beginning in the 1970's with potluck dinners for the community, the "station" evolved into a restaurant and bar that is beloved in the Lowcountry and beyond. Harold's Country Club is widely written about in national publications for its authenticity and success in bringing people from all walks of life together at communal tables to enjoy a grilled steak or a slice of fried turkey. Well into her nineties "Miss Mary," an excellent cook, would assist with the food service and then sit in her favorite corner to greet the many patrons she had come to know over the years.
Through all of her endeavors Mary was a steadfast member of Sandhill Baptist Church where she found life-long friendships and a supportive community. Her warmth and kindness will be missed by all who knew her.
For those desiring to send a memorial in Mary's name the following is suggested or a charity of ones choice: Sandhill Cemetery, ? Margaret Mathis, 303 Crooked Creek Road, Hampton, SC 29924