Wilhelmina Dearybury

Wilhelmina Smith Dearybury, 87, formerly of 108 Sharcliff Road, Cowpens, SC, and widow of the late Charles William Dearybury passed away on Sunday, September 7, 2014, at White Oak Estates-Spartanburg. Born June 13, 1927, in Cherokee County, SC, she was the daughter of the late Henry William Smith and Josephine Hubbard Smith. Wilhelmina and her husband started their own businesses, Dearybury Oil Co. in 1950 at Cowpens and Petroleum Carriers, Inc. in 1973 at Spartanburg. Wilhelmina served as secretary, dispatcher, bookkeeper, and office manager for 30 years in the companies. She retired as vice president of the companies. In her retirement, Wilhelmina published two books, "The Miller's Daughter" and "The Joy in Growing Older." She organized the Town and Country Garden Club in 1957 and served several terms as an officer. During 1976 she created and served as chairwoman of the Cowpens Bicentennial Committee and gained national attention for her beloved home town. The "Mighty Moo Festival" was started in 1977 under her direction and the festival presently continues as an annual reunion for the crewmembers of the USS Cowpens. She tirelessly led the town in restoring the Southern Railroad Depot into the USS Cowpens CVL25 Museum. In 1997 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The "History of Cowpens" was published in 1982 under her direction. She actively contributed to construction of the Cowpens Branch of the Spartanburg County Library, Veterans' Community Park, and the Timkin Community Center in Cowpens. In 2011 she received the Order of the Silver Crescent from the Governor of South Carolina. Her service to the Spartanburg community began when she moved to White Oak Estates. She was a volunteer at Mary Black Hospital and served on the Auxiliary Board. As member of the Kate Barry Chapter of the NSDAR she served in several capacities to promote patriotism. She was very active and served as Sunday School teacher at Cowpens First Baptist Church for 45 years. She was also a member of First Baptist Church of Spartanburg. Wilhelmina enjoyed her friends in the Red Hatters' Club, the Young at Heart Club, and her Sunday School Class. She traveled extensively, loved gardening, and playing dominoes. Her lawn in Cowpens was a showcase of azaleas for all to enjoy. Surviving are two daughters, Linda Dearybury Taylor of Spartanburg, and Shirley Dearybury Birch and her husband Roger Birch of Cowpens; two sons, Dan Dearybury of Asheville, NC, and C. W. Dearybury, Jr. and his wife Deborah Hunt Dearybury of Spartanburg, SC; seven grandchildren, Austin Birch (Amy), Kylene Taylor, Amy Birch Oswalt (Matt), Taft Hunt (Jacqui), Anna Dearybury, Katie Dearybury, and Bill Dearybury III; four great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Birch Oswalt, Charlie Birch and Hudson Hunt; two loving sister-in-law, Doris Smith and Ellen White; and a special friend, Charles Wallington of Spartanburg. She was predeceased by four brothers, Roy, Jack, Franklin, and Bobby Smith. Visitation will be 10:00-10:45 AM Wednesday, September 10, 2014, at First Baptist Church of Cowpens, 108 W. Church St., Cowpens, SC 29330. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM, at the church, conducted by the Rev. Bill Westafer, the Rev. Ronell Owensby, and the Rev. Sal Barone. Burial will be in Daniel Morgan Memorial Gardens, 175 Cemetery St., Cowpens, SC 29330. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mobile Meals Services, PO Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304; or the John Wilton Sunday School Class, First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, 250 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302. The family appreciates the loving care Wilhelmina received at White Oak Estates Nursing facility. The family is at their respective homes. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Wilhelmina Smith Dearybury please visit our Sympathy Store.