Margaret Bennett Stover

Margaret Bennett “Peg” Stover, 82, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026, after a life filled with love, service, and devotion to family and community.

Born on September 21, 1943, in South Carolina, Peg was the beloved daughter of the late Laurie Edward Bennett and the late Margaret Bailey Bennett of Springfield. She grew up in Springfield and graduated from the University of South Carolina, earning her bachelor’s degree in elementary education followed by a 20 year career as an elementary school teacher. Peg touched the hearts of countless children through her warmth, patience, and dedication in the classroom.

She married John Matthews “Johnny” Stover June 25, 1966, and celebrated 52 years together, building a beautiful life in Columbia. Johnny preceded her in death in 2019. Peg was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose gentle strength and generous spirit brightened every room she entered.

Peg was an active and faithful member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Columbia and Trinity Church of Edisto. She served on Alter Guild, taught Sunday school, and gave tirelessly of her time and talents. She was also deeply involved in the Junior League of Columbia (where she served as Vice President), the Ronald McDonald House, and served on the boards of numerous charitable organizations, including the American Cancer Society, Richland County First Steps and Healthy Learners. In her spare time, Peg found great joy in volunteering at Providence Hospital, gardening, golfing, spending time at the family’s beloved Edisto Island home, and gathering with loved ones.

Margaret is survived by her three children: • John Matthews Stover, Jr. and his wife Ebie of Pawleys Island, SC • William Bennett Stover of Mt. Pleasant, SC • Emily Stover Walton and her husband Bryan of Isle of Palms, SC

She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Ryan Matthews Stover, John Bennett Stover, Ellen Margaret Stover, Evelyn Abigail Stover, William Bennett Stover, Jr., Goode Bryan Walton V, and Henry Bailey Walton; her sisters Emily Bennett Salley of Springfield and Jane Bennett Boynton of Edisto Beach, SC and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A celebration of Peg’s life will be held at 3 o’clock, Thursday, June 25th, at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral with burial following in the Churchyard. The family will receive friends in Satterlee Hall of the Church immediately following the burial. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Trinity Foundation, 1100 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29201, or Trinity Church of Edisto, 1589 SC-174, Edisto Island, SC 29438.

She will be remembered for her quiet grace, her unwavering faith, her infectious laugh, and the profound love she showed her family and community. Her legacy lives on in the lives she shaped and the countless acts of kindness she performed.

“For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep.” (Thessalonians 4:14)