Mary Sprouse Melvin

            Mary Sprouse Melvin, age 91, passed away at ProMedica Assisted Living on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. She resided in Spartanburg, SC for the past 23 years before returning to her hometown of Union, SC, in November of 2022. Mary was the daughter of the late Herman and Louise Sprouse and the sister of the late Monte Sprouse Lancaster of Union. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg and was an avid reader who enjoyed scrapbooking, crossword puzzles and a challenging game of bridge.

            As a graduate of Union High School, she participated in the Converse Music Festival, National Music Guild, MacDowell Music Club, was homeroom officer and treasurer of her class, on the Gleam Yearbook Staff, junior play committee, senior representative and voted best personality.

            She married a classmate, the late William H. Medford, Jr. (Bill) of Buffalo. Mary owned and operated “Miss Mary’s School of Dance”, also teaching piano lessons while living in Union. She played piano for many occasions including wedding, funerals, receptions, and churches and remained devoted to teaching piano lessons for 38 years while living in Puerto Rico and five states along the east coast of SC, GA, DE, NC, and VA with Bill who was in the United States Air Force. Mary Attained certification and was a member of the Music Teachers Association in each state. She was instrumental in the formation of the Peninsula Music Teacher Association being elected president for two years then vice president. Throughout her years of teaching, her students received many honors performing in events from the Piano Guild with 5 and 10 year national winners to 10 year National and Paderevski Gold Medal. Mary often said, “Each student had a profound impact on my life, and I loved them all dearly.”

            She is survived by her daughter, Mary Elizabeth (Beth) Medford Wilson and husband Alan Douglas (A.D.) Wilson of Greer, SC; and her son, William Barry Medford and his wife LouAnn Medford of Union.

            Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, May 27, 2023 at the S.R. Holcombe Funeral Chapel conducted by Rev. Doug Estes. The family will receive friends immediately following the services in the chapel. Burial will be at Union Memorial Gardens.

            In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Union Co. Meals on Wheels, PO Box 951, Union, SC 29379 or to Buffalo Baptist Children’s and Youth Fund, PO Box 428, Union, SC 29379 or to the American Heart Association, 156 Milestone Way, Ste. A, Greenville, SC 29615.

            The family will be at their respective homes.

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