Margaret Louise Shurbutt

Margaret Laurens Shurbutt, age 99, passed away peacefully at home on September 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Margaret was born on July 9, 1927, in Greenville, South Carolina and was the daughter of the late James Henry Laurens and Ada Kirby Laurens and the daughter-in-law of the late Eddie C. Shurbutt and Montrie Yancey Shurbutt. 

She is survived by her children, Edward David Shurbutt of Spartanburg SC, Suzanne Shurbutt Boisvert of St. Petersburg, FL; Cynthia “Cindy” Shurbutt-Meadows of Boiling Springs, SC; her grandchildren, Cody Shurbutt (Sheena) of Myrtle Beach, SC; Lauren Boisvert of Bowling Green, KY; and her great-grandson, Caden Shurbutt of Myrtle Beach, SC. She is also lovingly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, and their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Marion Edward Shurbutt; her son James Kymberly “Kym” Shurbutt and his partner Cindy Tallotta; her grandson Kai Shurbutt; and her daughter-in-law Kristy Renae Meadows. She was also preceded in death by her five siblings: Pete Laurens, Elizabeth Smart Charles, Mary Pruitt, Patricia Miller, and Jimmy Laurens.

Growing up during the Great Depression as the daughter of a mill overseer, Margaret and her family moved from one mill town to another, wherever her father’s work took them. Margaret carried fond memories of her childhood in communities such as Drayton, Jackson Mill, and Startex, as well as time spent in Knoxville, Tennessee, and in areas of North Carolina.

Margaret graduated from Wellford-Lyman-Tucapau High School in 1945, where she met her lifelong friend, Betty. Her warmth and lively spirit made her a favorite among her classmates, who voted her cutest, most attractive, and most popular. She served as art editor of the yearbook, vice president of the Executive Club, a member of the French Club, and a cheerleader. The friendships Margaret formed during those years reflected the same warmth and loyalty she carried throughout her life. She and Betty remained dear friends for the rest of their lives.

After high school, Margaret worked as a telephone operator for Bell South. It was there that she met her future husband on a double date set up by one of her work friends. After a brief courtship, she and Marion Shurbutt were wed on August 13,1949. Over the next 10 years they were blessed with four children - two boys and two girls.

In 1963, they settled in the Sherwood Acres neighborhood in Spartanburg, SC where they remained for 30 years. The family spent summers camping at the beach and taking weekend drives through the Blue Ridge Mountains in the fall. Margaret was primarily a homemaker but worked off and on as a secretary and bookkeeper. She retired in the early 90’s as the church secretary for St. Paul United Methodist Church.

Following the unexpected death of her husband in 1992, Margaret moved to Murrell’s Inlet and the Garden City area, where she lived from 1993 until 2004. Margaret enjoyed her life on the coast, getting together with her newfound friends and working part-time as an usher at Legends in Concert and the Carolina Opry - where everyone knew her as “Bogey’s” Mom. She also worked as a tour guide for the local historic society in Georgetown, SC, and in concessions at Myrtle Beach IMAX theaters.

In 2004, Margaret moved back to the Upstate, where she purchased a home in Lyman Mill Village, a place she remembered fondly from her younger years. Margaret enjoyed the quiet, simple life in the village where she celebrated her 80th birthday with friends and family. Her daughters and granddaughter surprised her with a trip to the Grand Canyon that helped fulfill a lifelong dream of hers. In 2023, Margaret moved full-time into her daughter's home in Boiling Springs, where she lived comfortably with her daughter Cindy and her two tabby “grand-cats” Sissy and Biscuit.

Margaret possessed a deeply creative spirit and a lifelong love of music, especially the blues and her favorite bluesman, Taylor Hicks. A talented watercolorist and oil painter, she found inspiration in landscapes, flowers, and the natural world. She loved gardening and was blessed with an impressive green thumb, bringing beauty and life to everything she nurtured. An avid reader, Margaret also loved crossword puzzles and rarely missed her daily Wordle. She embraced social media as a way to keep up with family and friends and delighted in discovering humorous pages and posts to share. A writer, poet, artist, and natural humorist, she carried her creativity, curiosity, and quick wit with her throughout her life.

In her final days, Margaret was cared for at home by her family and under hospice care with Agape Care Group. The family is grateful for the kindness, compassion, and support they provided to Margaret and her family. Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Sunday, October 4th, starting at 2:00 p.m., at the home of her daughter Cindy, 908 Belcher Road, Boiling Springs, SC 29316.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Be the Match Foundation, in memory of her son Kym, the Hospice Foundation of America, or your favorite charity. Margaret’s long journey through life has come to a peaceful close, but the love she gave and the precious memories she created will remain with her family always.

Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel