Columbia: Sarah Margaret Palmer Easterling, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and friend, known to many as "Maggie," passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2010. Her gentle, graceful spirit will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Born November 6, 1932, to Mamie Lorena Pond Palmer and Horace FitzWilliam Palmer, Mrs. Easterling graduated from Bennettsville High School. She attended Winthrop College and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, and a Minor in Music. She began her teaching career at Bradley Elementary School in Columbia, SC, Richland School District One. She later worked as a first grade teacher at Lonnie B. Nelson Elementary School in Richland School District Two. She earned her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of South Carolina, and eventually served as a Curriculum Coordinator at Lonnie B. Nelson and North Springs Elementary Schools. During her tenure at Lonnie B. Nelson, Mrs. Easterling was instrumental in the school becoming a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. In 1982, after suffering a debilitating cerebral hemorrhage, Mrs. Easterling retired from education, with many fond memories of her former colleagues and students. In 1983, Mrs. Easterling moved to Myrtle Beach, S.C. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and the Handicapped Women's Organization. For many years, she served as the organization's president. She spent her days working on family scrapbooks, cooking, and writing beautiful, heartwarming letters to family and friends. Mrs. Easterling was blessed with a large and loving family. She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, William Keitt Easterling. She will be missed by her daughters, Mary Margaret Easterling Turbeville, Keitt Easterling Samtmann (Drew), Macon Palmer Easterling Warren (Andrew), and Helen Elizabeth Easterling Farias (Sandro); brother-in-law, Harry R. Easterling (Mary Kay); grandchildren, William Lawrence Turbeville, III, Shannon Leigh Turbeville, Patrick Forrest Turbeville, O'Neill John Samtmann, Kelly Anne Turbeville, Reed Elizabeth Keitt Samtmann, Michael Curtis Turbeville, Sarah Caroline Warren, and Iselle Elizabeth Farias; and one niece and one nephew. Funeral services will be one o'clock Saturday afternoon, February 6, 2010, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Bennettsville. Officiating will be The Rev. James W. Barnhill. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park in Bennettsville. Sign a guest book at www.mayerfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hugs for Horses, Georgetown County Board of Disabilities and Special Needs, PO Box 1471, Georgetown, SC 29442, (843) 546-8228. Immediately following the services at the graveside, the family will receive friends at The Historic Manse, 104 Jennings St., Bennettsville, S. C. 29512. The Georgetown Chapel of Mayer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Funeral Home: Georgetown Chapel of Mayer Funeral Home 222 Saint James Street Georgetown, SC US 29440