Esther Baskin Ferguson

Esther Baskin Ferguson, philanthropist and supporter of the arts, died February 18, 2026 in Charleston. She was 83. A memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 7 at St. Stephen's Church, 67 Anson Street, Charleston, SC 29401. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.

A native of Hartsville, South Carolina, she graduated from the University of South Carolina with a B.A. in Political Science and Art History. She began her professional career in New York City In 1967, doing research for the American Health Foundation. She later served as Arts Editor and Host of "Review" for South Carolina Educational Television, also serving as President and founding member of Broadcast Resource Center. She became Vice President of Think Group in 1979 and later became a Principal of Carlyle Consulting. She founded the National Drop-Out Prevention Center at Clemson University in 1985, and the Bishop's Fund for the South Carolina Episcopal Diocese in 1994. She married James L. Ferguson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the General Foods Corporation, and when he retired, they moved to Charleston where she had a deep impact on the community.

Mrs. Ferguson served as a board member of the Spoleto Festival, USA, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Board, and the Gibbes Museum where she founded the Gibbes Museum Distinguished Lecture series. Mrs. Ferguson was a founder of the College of Charleston Spanish Studies program in Trujillo, Spain. She served on the Mayor's Children’s' Task Force, the Palmetto Project, and James Island Outreach. She was a loyal member of the Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church where she served on the Vestry.

Mrs. Ferguson served as Vice Chairman of the Board of the Young Concert Artists in New York. She was a Board member of the International Foundation for Education and Self-Help, the International Peace Academy at the United Nations, President of the American Philharmonic Orchestra at Lincoln Center, Public Affairs Director of the National Organization of Women's Legal Defense and Education Fund, a member of the South Carolina Arts Commission, Board Member of Kitani Foundation, and Trustee of both Monmouth College and Coker College.

Mrs. Ferguson received Honorary Doctorate degrees from William Penn College, Dominican College, University of the Pacific, Johnson and Wales University, Coker College, and the College of Charleston.

Mrs. Ferguson was honored many times, including a Citation from the National Organization for Women's legal Defense and Education Fund for outstanding leadership, the "Most Generous American Award" from Town and Country Magazine, a Proclamation by the Mayor of Charleston for distinguished service to the Spoleto Festival, USA, and the Charleston Center for Women "Cornerstone Award" for outstanding contributions, as well as the Lotus Award for creative leadership in the performing arts from the Young Concert Artists.

Mrs. Ferguson was an avid skier, an ace hunter and keen fisherwoman, often to the dismay of the many men who could not match her success in the field and the stream.

Mrs. Ferguson was preceded in death by her husband James L. Ferguson, and her parents, Norwood F. Baskin and Nan R. Richardson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Stephen's Church, 67 Anson Street, Charleston, SC 29401.