Mary Ann Solesbee

Dr. Mary Ann Solesbee
January 10, 2025
Dr. Mary Ann Solesbee, a beloved educator, storyteller, and author passed away on January 10, 2025. She was born in Spartanburg on September 9, 1949. Dr. Solesbee was the daughter of Mr. James Arnold Solesbee and Mrs. Marjorie Bullman Solesbee. She was a passionate teacher, devoted mother, and loving grandmother. Dr. Solesbee is survived by her son, Thomas Martin McGrath, IV (Mary Jacqueline), and two granddaughters, Mary Martin McGrath and Emma Leigh McGrath. She is also survived by her brother, James Arnold Solesbee, Jr.; her special cousin, Randall Brian Dill (Debbie); and nephews, Jamison Wheeler Solesbee and Phillips Powell Solesbee.
Dr. Solesbee earned her Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina and dedicated her career to the field of education. She taught elementary school for many years in South Carolina, inspiring students with her love for history and storytelling. As the founding Director of the Teacher Education Program at North Greenville University, she later became a Professor of Education, teaching future educators to foster a love of learning in their own students. She was the author of the Sal and Amanda book series, which uses historical fiction to teach children about South Carolina's rich history. In addition, she authored South Carolina Under Our Feet, a first grade Social Studies textbook that is used by tens of thousands of students across the state. Dr. Solesbee also created and directed a Teaching American History Grant for eight school districts in the Upstate and provided in-service teacher education both in the U.S. and abroad.
A lifelong lover of stories, Dr. Solesbee shared her passion for reading and storytelling throughout her life. She and her father created stories about animals in the woods of the Upcountry, where she grew up. She kept a journal as a young girl and used storytelling as a way to connect with children throughout her career. She was a proud advocate for children's literature and worked tirelessly to bring history and adventure to the lives of young learners.
Dr. Solesbee had a deep love for the holidays and cherished time spent at her lakeside home, where she could often be found reading and enjoying the outdoors. She was a dedicated mother and an even more outstanding grandmother, affectionately known as "Mimi." She was also a die-hard South Carolina Gamecocks fan. Dr. Solesbee's warmth, humor, and infectious spirit made her the life of any gathering, and she had a remarkable ability to make those around her feel valued and loved.
Dr. Solesbee played a pivotal role in the establishment of the South Carolina Governor's School for Agriculture at John de la Howe. She was also a member of the Blue Flower Literary Club and Lyman Methodist Church's Lakeside Campus and valued the friendships she formed through her involvement in both.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 16 at Lyman Methodist Church (106 Groce Road, Lyman) at 2 pm. The funeral will follow at 3 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Children's Museum of the Upstate (300 College St. Greenville, SC 29601) in support of the museum's Book Nooks in Greenville and Spartanburg.
Dr. Solesbee will be remembered for her unwavering faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, her extraordinary accomplishments, her love for her family, and her dedication to nurturing the next generation of learners. Her legacy will live on through her students, her books, and the countless lives she touched throughout her career and beyond.
Condolences may be made at www.striblingfuneralhome.net
Stribling Funeral Home
Duncan, SC