Margaret Hamner Utley

Margaret was born April 25, 1930 in Camp Hill, Alabama, the daughter of Benjamin L. and Sarah White Hamner. She had one brother, William T. Hamner (Bill), all of whom preceded her in death.

She graduated from high school in LaGrange, Georgia, received a bachelor’s degree from Alabama College (now the University of Montevallo) and a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University.

During her college years she was part of a special group of ladies that became lifelong friends. They enjoyed traveling together, trips to the beach, fun memories and sharing each family’s experiences.

At Vanderbilt she met the love of her life, James William Utley (Jim) of Nashville, Tennessee. They were married April 17, 1954 and had 48 years together before Jim’s death March 3, 2002. They were very proud of their family: a daughter Susan Marie Utley (Nashville), a son John Andrew Utley (Greenville) and a granddaughter, Lauren Elaine Utley (Nashville) all who survive. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Mary Alice Hamner (Dunedin, Florida), a niece, Beverly Hamner Burton (Clearwater, Florida) and several cousins.

Margaret was a member of Buncombe Street United Methodist Church in Greenville. During 41 years as a member, she was active in its life and missions; she enjoyed teaching Sunday school and bible study. She was a member of the Tommy Thomason Fellowship Class. Her family and friends remember her for many beautiful qualities including her steadfast love, forward-thinking insight, and remarkable grace and perseverance in challenging times.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the University of Montevallo Foundation, Station 6215, Montevallo, AL 35115 (designate to Class of 1952 Scholarship Fund) or Buncombe Street Methodist Church, 200 Buncombe Street, Greenville, SC 29601 (designate for Missions & Outreach).

A memorial service for Margaret will be held at 12:00 PM Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at Buncombe Street Methodist Church, 200 Buncombe St, Greenville, SC 29601 followed by reception and luncheon.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeycenturydrive.com for the Utley family.