Mary Ellen Schwob Mulligan

Mary Ellen Schwob Mulligan, 66, of Greenville , peacefully passed at home, surrounded by family, into the eternal presence of our Lord and Savior on September 14, 2019. She was a longtime member of the faith community at Buncombe Street United Methodist Church who gave her prayers, love and support throughout her 7 year struggle with cancer and Parkinson’s Disease.

Mary was born in Scranton, PA, the first child of the late Admiral William Schwob, USCG and Mary Reese Schwob. She is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, William “Bill” Mulligan, and son Kevin Mulligan of Asheville NC, her three devoted sisters: Catherine, Sarah, and Susan Schwob, three nieces, two nephews, five great nephews, two great nieces, and her dear friends of forty years, “The Beach Girls”

A teacher her entire life, Mary began her calling as she organized her infant sisters into her first ”classroom” at home. She studied Early Childhood Education and received her BA 1974 and MA 1978 at Clemson University, where she met her husband, Bill. She was recognized as a “Greek Goddess” and in 1972 was the Sweetheart of Theta Chi Fraternity . Mary was smart, beautiful and always loved for her kindness to others.

Mary taught Kindergarten and First Grade for 31 years, influencing the lives of almost 800 students. She was awarded “Teacher of the Year” 1992-1993 at Monaview Elementary School. Active in Boy Scouts of America as her son, Kevin, earned Eagle Scout Award, Mary was recognized as “Mom of the Year” by BSA Troop 9 in 1999. She continued to guide young scouts for the next 16 years, volunteering at the Reedy Falls District Day Camp. Mary worked many years as an instructor for Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge at the Blue Ridge Council Merit Badge University In 2004, Mary received the BSA District Award of Merit for all of her years dedicated to the Boy Scouts.

After retiring as a teacher, Mary volunteered weekly at the Greenvile Literacy Association, teaching illiterate adults to read

Mary always loved to sing: on family car trips, with the “Schwob Sister Quartet”, at many a hootenanny and as a longtime member of the Chancel Choir at Buncombe Street United Methodist Church. Now, she’s with a choir of angels.

Funeral Services will be held Sunday September 22, 2019 at 3 o’clock in the Sanctuary of Buncombe Street United Methodist Church 200 Buncombe Street, Greenville SC 29601. Mary requested that dress be casual.
Family will receive friends in the Orders Parlor at BSUMC after the service at 3 oclock

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Gifts in Mary Mulligan’s name may be made to

Buncombe Street United Methodist Church
200 Buncombe Street
Greenville, SC 29601
(On the
check memo line: Emmaus Hands and Feet Ministry)

OR

Cancer Society of Greenville County
113 Mills Avenue
Greenville, SC 29605