Mary Bailey Wall Koob

Our dearest mother, Mary Bailey Wall Koob, went to her reward on January 10, but her indomitable spirit lives on within all who knew her, Mom was a genteel Southern lady with regal bearing and quiet dignity, but her unique sense of humor and endearingly absent-minded nature earned her the fond nickname of "Wild Mary" among those closest to her.
A native Charlestonian, she was born on November 18th, 1919 to Arthur D. Wall and Katherine Lebby Wall. She was a graduate of Memminger High School and attended The College of Charleston and Rice Business College. She was variously employed as a stenographer and assistant newspaper editor, as well as at WTMA radio and the Charleston Navy Yard.
She spent carefree childhood summers at Oyster Point, her grandfather's farm on James Island, where she enjoyed a rural lifestyle in simpler times: swimming, fishing, crabbing and shrimping. She often reminisced about enjoying scuppernongs, blackberries and freshly picked figs.
Mom met the love of her life, William L. ("Bill") Koob, a freshman at the Citadel, when he winked at her over a bonfire, and they were married in 1942. As an Army wife, she shared a nomadic life with Bill and their family for 31 years, making comfortable homes in postwar Japan, and later in Vienna, Austria. There she learned to speak German and enjoyed the local shopping scene, cuisine and wine; also the folk music and wonderful concerts featuring the "musik" of Strauss, Mozart, Lehar and many other composers native to Vienna. Bill retired in Mt. Pleasant in the early 70's, and Mary was his "dear old girl" until the end of his life.
Mom was a strict grammarian who edited our writings, encouraging us to read not just books, but the dictionary! Her legacy lives on in two sons who are well-published writers.
Mary was a fighter! Against all odds she was a 50-plus year survivor of breast cancer and a long-time insulin-dependent diabetic, which she endured with quiet faith. She defied myriad health problems and remained independent, surviving to the venerable age of 96, to the amazement of all.
Mary was a shrewd bridge player, and fully capable of defeating formidable opponents in family games of Scrabble. The very model of depression-era frugality, she was an inveterate coupon-clipper - yet was unfailingly generous, supporting countless well-researched charities. She never thought of herself as a role model, but she will be remembered as someone whose innate kindness, selflessness and courage will serve as an inspiration to all who knew her.
Mary is survived by her three children, William Lindsay Koob III of Ladson, Jeffrey C. Koob (and wife Maria Madeo), of Columbia, and Laurie K. Britton (and husband Doug), of Norristown, PA; grandsons Todd B. Koob and Kevin J. Koob, a granddaughter, Melissa D. Britton, step-grandson Doug Britton and three great-grands, Nicholas, Benjamin and Katie Koob. Survivors also include three sisters, Katherine W. Frierson of Virginia Beach, Va., Sara Mae Gaillard and Elizabeth (Betty) Burn, both of Mt. Pleasant, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by by two sisters, Clara W. (Susie) Heyward, Lillie W. Jenkins, and brother, Arthur D. (Pete) Wall. Mary would also want to include among her survivors two ex-daughters-in-law, Doris R. Koob and Carol P. LaForce, who were dear to her heart.
Mary was a faithful member of Christ Church of Mt. Pleasant, where she served on the Altar Guild and in the choir for many years. A memorial service will take place on Friday, January 15, 2016 at 2:00 o'clock in the original historic church. A reception celebrating a long and fruitful life will follow.
In accordance with her wishes, memorials may be made to Christ Church, 2304 Hwy. 17 N., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, the American Diabetes Association, 1701 Beauregard Ave., Alexandria, VA, 22311 or Mary's favorite charity: Lalmba Association, medical missions and orphanages serving various parts of Africa. Their stateside address is 3051 W. 105th Ave., #350040, Westminster, CO 80031-0040.