Carol was a lifelong resident of Greenville, South Carolina. She was the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Lucius M. Cline, junior. Dr. Stilwell was a devoted dentist to her patients, an avid reader, and loyal alumni to Furman University and The Medical University of South Carolina, where she encouraged any and all students with her unwavering support who wanted to go to Furman or MUSC. She practiced in Greenville for 25 years. She was fiercely dedicated to her brother and sister and their families.
Carol was educated in Greenville public schools. She obtained a B.A. in Sociology at Furman and a Masters of Education in Social Sciences at Converse. After working a few years for McGraw Hill Publishers College Division, Carol took some time off to get the necessary sciences courses at Furman, The Citadel, and Clemson as prerequisites to attend dental school. Carol always had a fierce work ethic. As soon as she was old enough, she worked at several movie theaters through high school, college, and graduate school.
Carol was an avid traveler. She experienced some of the greatest cities on this earth. Just to name a few, she went to Orvieto, Italy, Paris, France, and any pub in Ireland. But her favorite was right here in her own state, Charleston. Every year, Carol went on the historical tours, Spoleto, and just for weekend getaways for no reason at all. She was even married there at Saint Michael’s Episcopal Church in 12 inches of snow. Carol was born and lived in the same house on Augusta Street most of her life. In 2010 she converted that house into a bed and breakfast called The Manor House. So her 2nd career of Inn Keeper satisfied her penchant for hospitality and use of all her beautiful crystal, linens, and china, she was the ultimate hostess. She often gave beautiful and elaborate dinner parties in her elegant home.
When Carol retired from dentistry, she spent her time traveling mostly to Western Europe. As a sociology major, she was passionate about their culture, social mores, and how people lived their lives. This fueled her love of travel. When travel slowed down, she returned to Greenville and cultivated a group of like-minded women she referred to as “The Posse”. They lunched and suppered together and did some traveling as well. Carol said, “The past few years with The Posse filled a great social need in my life. If you are a member of The Posse you know who you are. Please know that I have cherished our time together.”
Carol, also, had time to join social woman’s groups which she could not do during her dental practice years. These included: The Wildwood Garden Club, The General Federation of Women’s Clubs, (the oldest women’s club in the world), The Crescent Community Club, (100 years old and founded on Crescent Avenue), and of course, she always enjoyed the antics of Deb Sofield at the Republican Luncheon. She usually ascended to president of these groups, except of course The Republican Luncheon, Deb could never be replaced. Carol was a member of these professional groups: The Piedmont District Dental Society, The Greenville County Dental Society, The South Carolina Dental Association, and The American Dental Association. She attended all courses on occlusion and TMJ at the Dawson Academy and the L.D. Pankey Institute, both in St. Petersburg, Fl.
Carol is survived by her brother Dr. Lucius M. Cline III (Annette) and sister Ann Cline Ray. Nieces and nephews: Lee Cline (Nikki), Harrison Cline, and Emily Cline Swords (Daniel), Philip Ray, Jonathan Ray, Amy Ray Thomas (Drew). Great nieces and nephews: Grey, Luke, Abby, Preston, Doug, and Madelyn Kate Cline and Anna and Katie Thomas. She is, also, survived by 3 step sons: Charles Stilwell (Kendall), McDavid Stilwell (Millicent), and Jay (Mia) Stilwell. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Douglass Stilwell, her Mother Margaret Ellen Greyard Cline and her Father Dr. Lucius Moore Cline, Jr., and special friend artist Carl Blair. If you choose to make a memorial please consider the Garden Fund at First Baptist Church, 847 Cleveland St, Greenville, SC 29601. Email [email protected]. Online condolences may be made at www.mackeycenturydrive.com.
A Memorial service will be held on Friday, February 18, 2022 at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church at 847 Cleveland St Greenville, SC 29601.
