Marilyn (Raper) Coltrane

Marilyn Raper Coltrane, 87, of Spartanburg, SC, ended her journey on this earth on Saturday, November 23, 2024. She was the only child of Myrtle McDonald and Hugh Maxton Raper.

Marilyn was a loving mother to three children; Juliet Pearson of Milton, FL, Elizabeth Thatch of Charleston, SC, and Eric Coltrane of Spartanburg, SC; and a loving grandmother to David Thomas Jr. of Manchester, NH.

Marilyn was a devoted friend to many as a member of her beloved Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg. She was an integral part of her church community and helped develop Pastoral Care Associates and led several Covenant groups. Marilyn also loved to garden and travel. She was an avid reader and belonged to several book clubs.

She was a student throughout her life, a person of rare intellect. She was a graduate of Needham Broughton High School in Raleigh, NC and attended Duke University. She later obtained multiple master's degrees from the University of Georgia while raising three children. Quite some time later she returned to school and received an Education Specialist degree from Converse College.

She made a real difference through her works at the Charles Lea Center, her teaching roles at Converse College and various other institutions, and through years of private therapy practice.

Throughout her life she was an advocate for children, particularly those with developmental issues. She was a lifelong Democrat and a faithful supporter of progressive causes. She sought equal opportunity for all.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

UU Church, P.O. Box 1942, Spartanburg, SC 29304;

St. Luke's Clinic P.O. Box 3466, Spartanburg, SC 29304;

Or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Community Mortuary, Inc., 102 Marion Avenue, Spartanburg, SC.

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