Marlene Thruston

Marlene Sebby Thruston, 84, of Spartanburg, SC, entered into a new life with Christ when she passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, June 13, 2021, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.

She was born August 9, 1936, in Aurora, IL, the daughter of the late Verdelle and Roy Sebby. After graduating from Plainfield High School, she attended Illinois Wesleyan University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1958. She was employed at Copley Memorial Hospital in Aurora, IL, and at Morristown General Hospital in Morristown, TN. She was also employed by several private physicians.

Marlene met the love of her life, Terry, in 1963 while standing in line at Arnaud's restaurant in New Orleans. They married within six months and lived in Morristown, TN for a couple of years before moving to Spartanburg -- and later to Guayama, Puerto Rico. Six years later, they moved back to Spartanburg with their family in 1975.

Marlene was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church where she volunteered in various capacities. She was also employed by the church as a teacher for Mother's Day Out, and dearly loved interacting with the two-year-old children in her class. She cheerfully volunteered at her daughters' schools and for their outside activities. In later years, Marlene volunteered with Mobile Meals Ministry. She also enjoyed her work as a direct patient care volunteer for Spartanburg Regional Hospice. She enjoyed playing bridge, baking, sewing, reading, and traveling. She also loved to attend Clemson football games and cheer on the Tigers.

Marlene was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who treasured time spent with her family -- especially her five grandchildren. She always put her family and its needs first, above all else. She was also a loyal friend to everyone.

Marlene is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Terry Farr Thruston, whom she married August 17, 1963, and her two daughters: Amy (Marc) Turner of Lakewood, NY, and Alyson (Cameron) Gallamore of Charlotte, NC. She is also survived by her five grandchildren: AmyKatherine Turner of Chicago, IL, Sebby, Cameron, and William Turner, all of Lakewood, NY, and Brooks Gallamore, of Charlotte, NC. Also surviving is her brother, Ralph Sebby, of Plainfield, IL. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her two sisters, Ruthmary Griparis and Marjorie Minor, and a brother, Richard Sebby.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Comfort Keepers team, as well as to the Spartanburg Regional Home Care and Hospice for their care and compassion.

A celebration of life service will be held Friday, June 18, 2021, at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, followed by visitation in the church parlor. A private graveside burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute a memorial in Marlene's honor to the Alzheimer's Association, 901 S. Pine Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302; Mobile Meals Service, PO Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304, or to the Spartanburg Regional Home Care and Hospice, PO Box 2624, Spartanburg, SC 29304.

Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel