Myrtle Ann Gilchrist

A graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m. Sunday, October 29, 2023 in Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens.

Born October 1, 1933, she was the middle child of ten, born to James L. and Ollie Pate of Newton, NC. After graduating high school, she enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean War Conflict serving for 2 years at the Pentagon.

In 1952, she married William James Gilchrist in Maryland and spent 20 years being a dedicated military wife living in Japan and several tours in Germany before retiring to Columbia.

Myrtle retired from The University of South Carolina as the Women’s Housing Coordinator. After her retirement she volunteered at the McKissick Museum for several years. In 2019, she moved with her daughter Peggy and son-in-law John to Carrollton, GA to be near her grandchildren. She was an animal lover and avid gardener. Most importantly, she was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and treasured her time with her family especially the trip made to the Grand Canyon for her 80th birthday.

In addition to her parents she is predeceased by her son, William James Gilchrist, Jr.; a grandson, William Marshall Lesesne; four siblings, Jim Pate, Jean Pate, Peggy Johnson, Marie Gilbert. Survivors include her daughter, Peggy Nunn (John); two grandchildren, Catherine A. Lesesne (Brandi), William James Gilchrist, III (Alex); four great-grandchildren, Bennett, Ruby, Emerson, Liam; and five siblings, Leona Lynch, Grady Pate, Jack Pate, Marsha Simpson, and Margaret Berry.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of The Oaks - Carrollton for their compassionate care.

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