Marie Pressley Elrod

Marie Pressley Elrod, a faith-filled, kind, and loving woman, was called home to the Lord on August 18, 2023. Born on October 2, 1924, in Greenville, South Carolina, she lived a life of devotion and service, passing away peacefully at her home in Piedmont, South Carolina, following a brief illness.
Marie was the beloved matriarch of a large and loving family. She was the cherished wife of the late Samuel "Sam" M. Elrod, a devoted mother to her daughters Karen (Steve) Henderson, Jan (David) Bryant, and Sandra Hinton, and a doting grandmother and great-grandmother. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Amy Carlisle, Grant Henderson, Jason (Ashley) Pearson, Caci Marie (Tyler) Scroggs, Twins Emily & Wyatt Carlisle, Avery Colton Pearson, Jason Bryant, and Hadley Marie Scroggs, were her pride and joy.
Born to the late Emma Lee and Walter C. Presley, Marie was the youngest of 13 children. She attended Welcome High School in Greenville, laying the foundation for a life dedicated to hard work and service to others. Her strong work ethic was evident in her tireless efforts on her dairy farm, which she ran with her husband Sam. Despite the demanding work, Marie always found time for her family and her church. Marie's devotion to her faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was the oldest member of Bethesda United Methodist Church, and her church family held a special place in her heart. Her trips with the Leisure Group were a source of joy and fellowship, and often the topic of lively conversation. A woman of many interests, Marie loved being outdoors, whether she was tending her garden, working on her farm, or fishing. She relished trips to the cabin on Lake Greenwood with her in-laws Doris & Tuck. As most know, farming does not allow much time off, so these moments were often made possible by Pete or Kay as they would tend to the farm while the family was away. One of Marie's fondest things to do was traveling to Cherokee, North Carolina with nieces Pat & Martha.
As the last of her 13 siblings, Marie held a unique position in her family, serving as a source of wisdom, love, and guidance. Her unwavering faith, her kindness, and her love for her family and community are a testament to her character and the life she lived. As we remember Marie, "you could take a look at her front porch and that was the best description anyone could provide." She lived a simple life and for 78 years she stayed on the homestead, and worked at Piedmont Shirt Factory. She was known as the "gardener of the homestead called Sam's Acres." She would pick the fruits and vegetables for canning or to be sold at the "curb market."
In this hour, we are reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Marie ran her race with grace, kindness, and an unwavering devotion to her faith and her family. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved her and, in the community, she served so faithfully. Let us rejoice in the knowledge that Marie is now at rest in the arms of our Lord, reunited with her beloved Sam and her parents. May her memory be a blessing, her life an example, and her faith an inspiration to us all. Rest in peace, dear Marie, until we meet again.

The family requests any memorials in memory of Marie, be made to St Jude's Hospital or Shriners Hospital.

The family would like to extend a special thank you is extended to Bonsecours/St Francis, Open Arms Hospice, Veronica, Donna, & Ellie for their caring support of Marie in her time of need.