Georgie Madeleine (Mat) Keller Shuler

Georgie Madeleine (Mat) Keller Shuler, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on January 8, 2025, at the age of 100. She was born on July 10, 1924, in Ridgeland, SC, to Ellie Louis Keller and Georgie Merle Green Keller, and was the older sister to brothers Joe and Milton. Mat grew up mostly in St. Stephen, SC during the Great Depression. In her reflections she wrote, “When I was born, life was so simple - money was very scarce, but we got along. We were happy. Even during the Depression, and those very hard times, we were able to get through. I never even owned a bicycle, but that was OK. Each hardship made us stronger and more able to handle the next one. We learned to work hard, take care of what we had, value family and education, and love God.” She was greatly loved and respected by all of her family and friends.

Madeleine was valedictorian of her high school graduating class of 1941. She graduated from Winthrop College during the war years and was teaching at her old high school at only 19 years old! Since she lived at home while teaching she spent most of her $141.76 monthly salary on clothes! In 1946 she met the love of her life, WWII combat veteran Karl Avon Shuler, son of an ordained Methodist minister. They married later that year and enjoyed 58 years together until Karl’s death in 2004. Madeleine worked in the General’s office at the Citadel while Karl went to class. She and the family moved many times for Karl’s job, finally settling back in Charleston for good. 

She stayed home to raise the four kids, then later worked as an accountant, was the executive secretary for US Representative Mendal Rivers, and taught high school for 25 years. She was head of the business department and was honored as teacher of the year. She earned her Master’s degree from USC while teaching.

Madeleine was very active in the Methodist church during her entire life, participating in women’s groups, Sunday school, youth programs, and Scouting. She always took an active role in her children’s lives. She set a moral, conservative, responsible, and hard-working faith-based example for the whole family. Mat always had a big smile for everyone and an ever-present positive attitude and laugh. Madeleine loved her family dearly. She enjoyed researching and documenting her family history and genealogy, as well as gardening, reading, and her cats (real and mechanical). She loved to dress well, with matching jewelry and accessories. She was an amazing seamstress and cook, hosting many holiday family dinners. 

Even though she continued to drive until she was in her 90s, she never put a scratch on a car or got a ticket. She published her own autobiography, and compiled a cookbook filled with her favorite recipes to pass on to her family. At her 90th birthday party, she said “You are all invited to my 100th.” She made it! 

Madeleine was preceded in death by her husband, Karl A. Shuler, and her devoted parents, Georgie Green Keller and Ellie Louis Keller. She is survived by her loving children: Baron Shuler (Glenda) of Marietta, Georgia; Cheryl (“Sherry”) Bowie (Gerald, deceased) of Athens, Georgia; Michael Shuler (Suzanne) of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina; and Kenneth Shuler of Charleston, South Carolina.

Throughout her life, Madeleine's family was her pride and joy. She is deeply cherished by her nine grandchildren: Jessica Shearer (Steve), Zachary Shuler (Tyler), Brent Bowie (Maria), Ryan Bowie (Meghan), Michael Shuler, Jr. (Kathleen), Anne Marie Toole (Scott), Kenneth (“Kenny”) Shuler, Jr. (Niki), Kristy Holdgate (Nick), and James Shuler (Heather). Her legacy continues through her beloved 17 great-grandchildren: Grady Shuler, Paige Shuler, Grant Shuler, Tessa Shuler, Ella Shearer, Ethan Shearer, Spencer Bowie, Alex Bowie, Emily Jackson (Cliff), Karaline Bowie, Burke Bowie, Eila Bowie, Kathleen Marie Toole, William Toole, Camden Shuler, Abigail Holdgate, and William Holdgate.

Madeleine is also survived by her brother, Joe Keller (Marie) of Mt. Pleasant, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews who hold her memory close in their hearts.

Her visitation will be held on January 11, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM with a reception to follow, all at J Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel, located at 1494 Mathis Ferry Road, Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. Interment will take place on January 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Live Oak Cemetery, 3093 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, South Carolina. 

Georgie Madeleine Keller Shuler will be remembered not only for her many talents and contributions but also for the love and strength she embodied as the matriarch of her family. She was a true friend to many, helping others at every opportunity. Her legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to have known her. 

Memorials may be made to Hibben United Methodist Church, 690 Coleman Blvd., Mt Pleasant, S.C, 29464. Flowers will also be accepted.

A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com