Fay Reed McLaurin
1930 - 2025
Fay Reed McLaurin
1930 - 2025
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Fay McLaurin Obituary
Fay was born on November 3, 1930, to Nettie and Harry Cook Reed. A gifted musician from a young age, Fay pursued her passion for music with dedication and excellence. She graduated with honors from Winthrop College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance.
After college, Fay moved to Bennettsville, where she began her career teaching music in public schools. In 1954, she married Colin Hubbard McLaurin, and together they made their home in Bennettsville, building a life defined by love, partnership, and steadfast devotion. Fay and Colin raised two daughters, Jeanie and Catherine, and she spent her later years as a devoted grandmother to six grandchildren. Her joy expanded further with the arrival of her great-grandchildren.
During her many years in Bennettsville, Fay played a vital role in shaping the cultural life of the community. Fay was a member of Trinity Methodist Church in Clio, where she served as longtime organist and choir director. She was a member of the Bennettsville Music Club, the Marlboro Area Arts Council, and the Marlboro Players, where she directed and performed in countless productions.
Fay dedicated several years to the restoration and success of the Marlboro Civic Center. She was instrumental in the development of this community project, a testament to her belief in the power of the arts to enrich and unite people of all walks of life.
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the arts, Fay, as director of the Marlboro Area Arts Council, was awarded the prestigious Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Award by the South Carolina Arts Commission in 1986, one of the highest honors bestowed upon individuals who have made a lasting impact on the cultural life of the state.
Known for her generous spirit, gentle wisdom, and steady presence, Fay touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be remembered for her warmth, compassion, lifelong love of music, and unwavering commitment to the arts and her community.
Fay is survived by her daughters, Catherine McLaurin Collins (Thomas) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Jeanie McLaurin Slack of Columbia, South Carolina; her grandchildren, Colin Nathan Slack, Hugh McLaurin Slack (Christa), Kathleen Slack Higgins (Thomas), Reed Lashley Collins, Blake McLaurin Collins, and Eileen MacKendree Collins; and two great-grandchildren, Freddie and Sanny Slack.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 13th, at 11:00 a.m. at Wedgefield Presbyterian Church in Wedgefield, South Carolina. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Marlboro County in Bennettsville, South Carolina.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Carol Herndon Crouse
December 5, 2025
Before she was Mrs. Fay Mclaurin she was Miss Fay Reed and new to Bennettsville teaching music in school there and I was one of her young students. She taught us to be happy with music and songs we sang under her direction. I remember her as such a
beautiful talented happy person who shared with people churches Marlboro Players and community events. What a beautiful legacy she left.
Peggy Beaty
December 4, 2025
Jeanie and Catherine,
Was so sad to hear of Fay's passing! I have truly missed her since she moved away. Fay was a fun lady and a friend of my mom's. She and Polly had me over to eat a few years before she moved and how I enjoyed that! Been over before, too. Fay was a wonderful cook & remember well her coconut cake with a lemon filling that was delicious. But nothing could touch her musical talent!!! She did an enormous amount for this county! I doubt anyone could ever take her place!
I am sad but happy that she is probably with Colin now! She missed him so.
May God give you peace that only he can give with her passing and may memories later make you smile to all her family and friends!
Sincerely,
Peggy Beaty~
Laurin and family
December 3, 2025
Dear Aunt Fay was a treasure. Jovial and unpretentious, attentive and nurturing, a creator of safe havens and recognizer of good hearts. She was a significant presence in my mother´s life and through her a meaningful part of my own. We remember Aunt Fay as both headstrong and outspoken, with broad-minded cleverness and true grace. She lives through each of us, who carry her spirit forward. God bless!
Fran Norton
December 2, 2025
To the dear family of Mrs. Fay, my sincere condolences. She simply made the world a better place. Mrs. Fay made a tremendous impact on many individuals and her community, my husband, Lawrence, most especially. I feel blessed and honored to have known her and call her a friend.
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Lynne Dudley Stevenson
December 2, 2025
Jeannie, Catherine, and your extended families, I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Fay. Everyone who ever knew her, adored her. What a blessing she was to so many people. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless and comfort you during the difficult days ahead.
Mike and Cathy Odom
December 2, 2025
Our deepest sympathy to Ms. Faye´s family. She was a dear, sweet lady who will be greatly missed by many. God bless you all at this difficult time.
Randy Potter
December 1, 2025
MISS Reed taught music when I was a 2nd grader. I can still remember the words to all the military theme songs and Home on the Range. As a Key Club member, I washed her windows for money to buy Christmas food for needy families. Mr. McLaurin was a Kiwanis member and supported our Key Club activities. She was a extraordinary community citizen and cultural leader. Marlboro County is fortunate she chose to live there. Joan and I extend our sincere condolences to Fay's family. -Randy Potter
Terri O´Tuel
December 1, 2025
My deepest condolences to Catherine, Jeanie, and all of Fay´s loved ones. Her impact on so many people for good is impossible to describe. I enjoyed her friendship and reveled in her extraordinary zest for life. She truly was a queen of our community and its artistic endeavors. Rest in peace, dear Fay
The Rev. Jason Collins
December 1, 2025
So sorry to hear about Mrs. Fay. She was a great friend and neighbor to our family. Working with her through the Marlboro Players and the Arts Council was a treat. She helped me prepare for a scholarship audition at Wofford College, which I received. For that, I´m grateful. Rest in peace and rise in glory, Fay.
Faye Lett
December 1, 2025
So very sorry for your loss. From the other Faye McLaurin in Bennettsville, Faye Lett.
Melissa Beaty Joye
December 1, 2025
Fay was a wonderful lady and mother. A friend to all! She was especially kind to her children´s friends! I was always welcome in her home when I was growing up in Bennettsville. It was a home away from home for me. Fay will be missed by many! God will bless her in heaven for the kindness she showed to other people. I pray for God´s great comfort to her family during this sad time. I planted a tree in her memory because I have wonderful memories on her porch and front lawn. Much love and sympathy! Melissa Beaty Joye
Tina Tanner
December 1, 2025
Catherine and Jennie, you have no idea how your mom had such an impact on the Tanner family. We still share memories of her responses to situations and her ability to talk you into things you really didn't want to do! Daniel is now serving as the music director/organist for a church in Summerville SC thanks to her direction. Prayers for you and your family.
Tina Tanner
December 1, 2025
Nancy Bailey
December 1, 2025
This beautiful lady saved 2 young girls after the loss of their mother in 1957. Their father was in the military, and Fay gave us a loving home until daddy could figure out the future. My sister and I love her dearly!!
Antionette Jones Sudan
December 1, 2025
Catherine I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your Mom when we were in high school together. A very sweet person. Sending prayers for you and your family to find strength to get through this time.
Darlene Brady
December 1, 2025
My deepest sympathy go to Jennie, Catherine and
families. I have only wonderful memories of Mrs. Faye. She had a beautiful spirit and shared it with all. Our loss is heaven's gain, and now she is playing God's piano for all of heaven to hear...
Sandra Widejko
December 1, 2025
Fay you were like my second mother. I will treasure my memories of you forever. Sympathy and prayers to your family.
Alexa Schlimmer
December 1, 2025
I send my most heartfelt condolences to you all!! Fay and Colin were DEAR to me and my family. She gave us so much love, and was as precious to me, as anyone I have known in my life. Blessings and Prayers to heal your hurting hearts...
Love from All of My Family, ESPECIALLY me....
Cissy (Alexa Jackson Schlimmer) and Family
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