Mary Catherine Stoudemayer Givens

Mary Catherine Stoudemayer Givens, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and cousin, died December 18 at home. She was 93 years young.

Mary Catherine (Mary as her friends in Charleston knew her) was born October 17, 1918, at home near Peak, SC. She was the daughter of George Z. "Jack" and Alberta Eargle Stoudemayer.

Mary was the widow of Ernest Leon Givens. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Carl E. Givens; her brother, G. Carlton Stoudemayer; and her sister, Ruby S. Putnam. She is survived by her brother, Robert L. Stoudemayer of Danville, KY, and her three daughters, Carolyn G. Porter of Charleston, Marilyn G. King of Marietta, GA, and Sharon Givens of Columbia, SC. She has three grandchildren, Jennifer King Kweller of Arlington, VA, David L. Porter of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Erik M. Porter of New Braunfels, TX, and five great-grandchildren: Kayla, Casey, Daniel, Max and Logan. She also has a large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins who loved her dearly.

A registered nurse, she received her diploma from Columbia Hospital in Columbia, SC. She joined the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and served in England and Scotland during World War II. While her children were growing up on James Island, she worked for Drs. Gudmundson and Hassell in South Windermere. She later worked for and retired from Roper Hospital in Charleston.

Mary was a charter member of Epworth United Methodist Church on James Island and an active member for more than 50 years. She was also active in the American Legion and the Exxon Annuitants Club in Charleston. Her husband retired from Exxon.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 22, 2011at Epworth United Methodist Church, 1540 Camp Road, James Island, SC. Interment will follow at Live Oak Memorial Gardens, Ashley River Road, Charleston. Arrangements are by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., 232 Calhoun St., Charleston, SC. The family will receive friends Wednesday at J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church or to Susan G. Komen for the Cure (Attn: Donor Services, PO Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309).

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