05/06/2026
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HEMINGWAY -- Marianne King Burton, 72, a career public school teacher, active Presbyterian and devoted wife of the Rev. James Doster Burton, died following an automobile accident near their home on April 27, 2026.
Affectionately known by her family as “Sissy,” she was born on December 10, 1953, in Manning, S.C., to Marianne Reaves King and Lloyd Govan King, Sr. She cherished her lifelong connection to her home state. She graduated from Manning High School in 1972. As a gifted musician, playing the flute and piccolo, she also served as drum major in her senior year with her close friend, Martha Craft-Essig. She also was a talented pianist and vocalist, accompanying the school chorus on piano and singing with her church.
Marianne pursued higher education and graduated from the University of South Carolina before continuing at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., where she earned a master’s degree in journalism. Her advanced studies fueled her passion for teaching English and journalism.
Returning to South Carolina after 6 years of teaching in Evanston, Marianne began shaping young minds at Spring Valley High School in Columbia, where she also guided the school newspaper and yearbook. Her lifelong values of compassion, advocacy and loyalty shaped every aspect of her life. She was a champion for the underdog, influenced deeply by her family’s legacy of hospitality and service, and she took immense pride in witnessing the successes of disadvantaged students.
Her faith journey led her to meet her husband, James (often called Jim) Burton, at a Presbyterian Cursillo retreat on Johns Island, S.C. Married in 1989 in a May ceremony at her family home in Manning, the couple shared a life grounded in ministry and education. Jim is a Presbyterian pastor, and Marianne was a faithful and active partner in ministry with him. Her experience as a teacher made her an especially wonderful leader in church youth programs. She devoted herself to supporting her husband, and their shared work commitments took them across several states including Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio.
Eventually, Marianne and Jim returned to South Carolina, where she continued her teaching career in Sumter before retiring after more than 40 years in education.
Beyond her professional life, Marianne was an avid reader and movie enthusiast, and she found deep joy in the companionship and care of her many dogs and cats over the years. She also enjoyed creative pursuits like jewelry making, often crafting gifts for loved ones. She also continued her love of music by playing piano, singing in church choirs, and accompanying music programs.
She is survived by her loving husband, Jim Burton of Hemingway, her brothers, Van King of Mount Pleasant, S.C. and Bob King of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and a host of family and cherished friends.
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Indiantown Presbyterian Church, 4865 Hemingway Highway, Hemingway, SC 29554. Inurnment will follow in the church cemetery.
A visitation for family and friends will follow in the church parlor.
Online condolences may be left at www.young-fh.com.
Young Funeral Home of Hemingway is in charge of the arrangements. (843) 933-4262
