“She was a tough girl.”

At age 103, Marjorie Elizabeth Oxner Spears finished telling her Earthside story as she joined her beloved Savior in Heaven on March 26, 2025, a testament that every life, no matter how long or short, tells a unique story. Each soul is handcrafted by God, to serve a unique purpose for a specific length of time.

Born on July 29, 1921, Marjorie was the daughter of the late Quinton and Mattie Moore Oxner. Growing up on a family farm in Saluda County, she and her three sisters learned what it meant to do the hard work and not be afraid to get her hands dirty if a job needed to get done.

“She was a tough girl,” her son, Mike Spears, said. “Mom was no stranger to rolling up her sleeves and doing tough jobs.”

A graduate of Batesburg-Leesville High School in 1939, Marjorie held the title of the oldest living graduate from her high school class.

At age 23, she fell in love with an Arkansas soldier, Thomas Nathaniel Spears, who was stationed at Fort Jackson in Columbia. They met when he strolled into her workplace, Dixie Home Store, with a couple of friends. They fell in love with each other instantly.

As he was stationed to stand guard by the gate of the Fort Jackson military base, she would often visit and talk with him through the base’s fence while he was on duty.

“They told everyone it was love at first sight,” Mike said. “They dated a very short time and got married right before Dad was sent off overseas. Mom wanted to wait to get married, but Dad was adamant that he marry her before he was deployed just in the off chance he didn't make it back.”

Marjorie was a loving and devoted mother to her three children, Mike, Pamela and Elaine. Her family recalls her commitment to setting a good example for her children.

“She was the best mother, no doubt,” Mike said.

She dedicated herself to running the home and caring for their children while her husband worked, at times, two or three jobs.

She faithfully loved and served her family and was a devout Christian remembered for loving the Lord with all her soul, and also with a heart of service to the church and its members. Marjorie was a faithful member of St. Stephens for over 60 years. Also a long-time member of Mt. Hebron Lutheran Church in Leesville, she was rooted in her faith and poured out her love for God onto her children.

“Every Sunday, Mom would take us to church,” her son said. “Her love for God made her who she was, and she wanted us to love God like she did.”

Before his passing, Marjorie and her husband would visit those who were not able to get out, taking meals to those who were in need. Because of her love for God and her generous heart, she did not let her age or circumstances stop her from touching the lives of others. At the time of her passing, she was believed to be the oldest member of Saint Stephens Lutheran Church in Lexington and Mount Hebron Lutheran in Leesville.

Her family thought of her as the “Energizer Bunny” as she never let her age slow her down. She stayed active in her garden and always made sure her flower garden was beautiful and bright. She enjoyed shopping with her daughter and going to lunch. She also kept up with her house cleaning as much as she could.

Marjorie’s family recalls her love and admiration for Elvis Presley. She especially enjoyed his songs and dancing.

The matriarch was also a part of Gov. Henry McMaster’s “Century Club” and was presented with a Centurion Award on her 100th birthday for her lifelong contributions to the Palmetto State.

“You really couldn't stop her,” Mike told the Chronicle. “She enjoyed her life and got everything she could out of it.”

“My mom would struggle with why God would allow her to live so long. I truly believe it was because of her faith,” her daughter, Elaine, said. “She has played a big part in many people coming to salvation through Christ, and I believe that was a big part of why God kept her here for so many years.”

She will be remembered for her love for her husband and children, her hearty and contagious laughter, and how she profoundly impacted the lives of those around her.

“Whenever I feel sadness, I will always remember her laughter,” Marjorie’s daughter said. “When I feel alone, I will remember her warm welcoming spirit to everyone she touched in her life. When I have been hurt by someone, I will always remember her forgiving and generous spirit. And when I feel unworthy or not enough, I will remember how she always reminded me that I am a daughter of the King and a child of God.”

Marjorie is predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Thomas Nathaniel Spears; her parents, Quinton and Mattie Moore Oxner; her three sisters, Cleo Oxner Addy, Jeanette Oxner Sheppard and Mildred Oxner Derrick; and her son-in-law, Ralph Steele Jr.

Marjorie is survived by her loving children, Mike Spears (Nancy), Pamela Spears Steele and Elaine Spears Taylor. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Jason Spears (Danielle), Brian Spears (Laura), Sandra Spears and Ryan Shirley. Marjorie is also survived by a host of great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.