Obituary of Fay Reed McLaurin

Fay Reed McLaurin, 95, born in Cambridge, Maryland, and a longtime resident of Bennettsville, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on November 28th, 2025.

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.

Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.