Marion Newton Schools

Marion Newton Schools, 87, of Charleston, South Carolina, widow of Burton Robertson Schools, entered eternal rest Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

Marion was born February 1, 1938, in Statesboro, Georgia, daughter of Joseph T. Newton, Jr. and Ruby Scott Newton. A graduate of Charleston High School, she attended the University of Florida before marrying Burton Schools on August 3, 1957. Marion and Burt lived in Atlanta while Burt completed his MBA at Emory and took his first job, before moving back to Charleston where Burt went to work for Piggly Wiggly Carolina Company—the business that Marion’s father founded.

Marion dedicated her life to being a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, and wife. She adored her father who affectionately nicknamed her “Spitfire”—a reflection of her quick wit and feisty spirit. She visited “Poppa” almost every Sunday and maintained a close relationship with him throughout his life, relishing his wit and wisdom.

Marion spent much of her time and energy being a mom--preparing the nightly family meals and chauffeuring the kids to practices and games. As Burt worked long hours for the family business, Marion was ever present for her sons, making sure they always came home to a house full of snacks (mostly sweet), soda, iced tea, and love. She was determined to and did create a home where the boys and their friends were always welcome and well fed. The boys and their friends affectionately called her “Lady,” and knew that they were always welcome in Lady’s house.

After the boys moved on to college and beyond, Marion and Burt turned much of their attention to serving the community and traveling. They were big supporters of Bethel United Methodist Church and the Community Foundation and had a special place in their hearts for the Charleston Symphony Orchestra (CSO). For many years, Marion, as part of the Symphony League, played a big part in the annual designer house fundraiser for the CSO, recruiting participating designers and working the house during its annual run. And Marion and Burt relished attending the CSO concerts together.

Their travels included trips to London (on the Concorde), Vancouver, Santa Fe, Chicago, San Francisco and two memorable trips to Hawaii with the entire family. They rarely came home empty handed, and their house full of art reflected their love of beautiful things and their travels together.

When grandchildren arrived, Marion and Burt loved scheduling days with the grandkids for shopping and eating junk food. Marion was never happier than when she had the whole family in the house and was preparing a meal that almost always featured mashed potatoes and copious amounts of butter.

Marion and Burt’s marriage endured for 63 years until Burt passed away in 2020. They did everything together--travel, church, gin rummy, Phase 10, shared laughter and lots of going out to dinner. Theirs was a symbiotic relationship that allowed them to thrive together until Burt’s death.

Marion had a big group of close friends with whom she kept up through regular bridge games, and breakfast and lunch outings. She had long and enduring friendships that came from all walks of her life, from the connections made when Burt and Marion moved to Huntington Woods in 1964 to the many friends they made at Bethel and through their community service. Her friendships lasted her lifetime.

In her later years, Marion lived at Wellmore of Daniel Island, where she faced the challenges of aging with strength and dignity. Even as her health declined, however, she could always be counted on for a well-timed zinger. During this time, she was especially fortunate to have the love and support of her niece Cindy Powell and grand-niece Kelly Murphy, and her loyal and devoted friend Louisa Hawkins.

Marion lived a full and meaningful life focused on family, friends, and community. She was the full package and will be sorely missed by those she left behind.

She is survived by her three sons and their wives: David and Nella Schools, Scott and Cynthia Schools, and Stephen and Christy Schools; by her grandchildren, Susannah, Nella Gray, Caroline and Sam Schools; and by her sister Joanne Ayers. She was predeceased by her brothers Harold Newton and Joseph T. “Buzzy” Newton, III, and her grandson Ben Schools.

Funeral Services for Marion will be held Sunday, August 3, 2025, (Burt and Marion’s anniversary) at Bethel United Methodist Church, 57 Pitt Street at 12:15 pm. The family will receive visitors in the Bethel parish hall at 11:30am prior to the service. A private burial will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Bethel United Methodist Church or the Charleston Symphony Orchestra.