Marjorie Ulp Appleton, 80, of Blythewood, SC went to be with the Lord on March 4, 2023, after a two year battle with cancer.

Marjorie Kay Ulp was born on March 1, 1943, to Genie and Robert Ulp in Vienna, Ohio. Marjorie grew up on a farm with her twin sister Margaret, and three other siblings, where she cultivated the value of hard work and appreciation for the green earth, but also learned the importance of strong and loving family connections, and the great capacity to nurture and care for others.

Marjorie attended Edinboro College, where she studied Education. Along with Margaret, she graduated within 3 years and became a teacher. In 1963, she met Gerald "Jerry" Appleton at Geneva on the Lake, Ohio and they married in August of 1964. Together, Marjorie and Jerry welcomed three children, Amy, Scott, and Eric. Jerry's career as a chemical engineer took them throughout the United States as well as international locales. As a young family, they moved to Lima, Peru, then returned to the United States, where they made homes in several places across the country including Wheelersburg, Ohio; Houston, Texas; Kinnelon, New Jersey, and Lake Charles, Louisiana. In 1992, Marjorie and Jerry pursued an opportunity that would again take them outside of the US, to Malaysia and the Philippines where they lived as ex patriates for 10 years. Through these many stops along the way, Marjorie's openness, kindness, and natural curiosity in others, allowed for many friends of various and diverse experiences, friends she kept for a lifetime. Always the educator, Marjorie used these talents in all the places she lived, setting up an American school in Peru, teaching elementary school in Ohio, Texas, and NJ, various substitute teaching and tutoring roles, as well as instructing her grandsons' summer work.

Marjorie radiated warmth and encouraged belonging, building strong relationships with both older generations and younger ones, all with family at the center, including Jerry's parents, her own aging parents and great aunts, siblings, cousins, and extended family. Marjorie was especially close to her twin sister Margaret, simply her best friend and soulmate for a lifetime. Often spearheading family and friend gatherings and meals, Marjorie was the consummate hostess. Family, related or in spirit, was always welcome in Marjorie's home and at her table.

In her later years, Marjorie and Jerry moved to Blythewood, SC near Columbia, to be closer to family and grandchildren. However, retirement did not limit Marjorie's love of adventure. Seeking further travel abroad, Marjorie, along with Jerry, and often her sisters, enjoyed trips throughout the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Australia, expanding her network of acquaintances and her passport. Marjorie also fed her passion for gardening, evoking her experiences on the farm, with seasonal landscapes of colorful and unusual plants and flowers throughout her home and yard. Marjorie was an active member of the Living Springs Lutheran Church, growing in her faith within that community, and which served as both great inspiration and comfort these last years.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Cole Johnson. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Jerry Appleton, her twin sister, Margaret, siblings Janet Banner, William Ulp, and Robert Ulp (Lynn); her children Amy Johnson (Dwayne), Scott Appleton (Patti), and Eric Appleton (Alexis), and 9 grandchildren for whom she had a deep and abiding love and who she cherished beyond measure: Carter, Luke, Ann-Elise, Sam, Matthew, Joshua, William, Mary Claire, and Andrew. She is also survived by many dear family members, cousins, nieces, and nephews, and many friends throughout the world.
There will be a Celebration of Life Service at Living Springs Lutheran Church on Friday, March 17, 2023 at 10:30 am. Visitation will follow the service at the Church.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Living Springs Lutheran Church, 4224 Hard Scrabble Road, Columbia, SC 29223, https://livingspringscolumbia.org or Hope Lodge, 269 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401, https://www.cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/patient-lodging/hope-lodge/charleston.html

The family sends heartfelt thanks to the many doctors, nurses, and caregivers that shared their skills, compassion, and support throughout Marjorie's illness.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family with the arrangements. Words of encouragement and memories can be shared at https://www.shivesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Marjorie-Appleton .